Pediatrician Dr. Fırat Beğde emphasized the importance of breast milk and said, “Breast milk is the right of every child. Every mother produces milk according to the month, diseases and development of her baby. Do not start supplementary foods early.”
Acıbadem Eskisehir Hospital Pediatrics Specialist Dr. Fırat Beğde shared important information about the benefits of breast milk on the occasion of “Breastfeeding Week” celebrated in the first week of August. Pointing out that breast milk is the most appropriate food that provides all the nutrients that are sufficient for the normal growth and development of every baby born on time and healthy in the first 6 months of life, Dr. Beğde said, “The positive effects of breast milk, which is the most ideal food produced by each mother specifically for her baby, continue throughout life. The first thing a newborn baby needs is its mother's lap and her milk. Breast milk meets all of the baby's nutritional needs in the first six months.” Dr. Beğde reminded that it is recommended by the World Health Organization to use only breast milk for the first six months in infant nutrition and to continue breastfeeding until the age of 2. “Each mother produces milk according to the month, diseases and development of her baby. Breastfeeding strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby and ensures a healthy relationship. Breast milk is always ready to use and sterile. For each baby, the milk of its own mother is the most ideal and meets all the needs of the baby.”
“First milk colostrum protects the baby from diseases”
Stating that every mother produces milk called “colostrum” from her breasts for the first week after birth, Dr. Beğde said that this milk is very useful because it contains special compounds to protect the baby against infections. In the second week after birth, the protein content in this milk gradually decreases while the amount of lactose, fat and total calories increases; therefore, the milk in the second week is called “transition milk”.
She explained that “mature breast milk”, which is formed in the following weeks after the transitional milk, contains less carbohydrate and more fat compared to colostrum milk. She added that this shows that breast milk is not only special for each baby, but also special for each period of the baby.
“Breast milk contains nutrients according to the needs of the baby”
Emphasizing that breast milk contains the necessary nutrients, digestive enzymes, hormones, growth factors, pro and prebiotics, antibodies related to immunity, Dr. Beğde said, “Breast milk has a very important effect on the development of microbiota, which has been shown to play an important role in the human immune system. It has been shown that the intestinal microbiota of breastfed babies develop quite well. It is reported that the type of birth also plays an important role in microbiota development.” Dr. Beğde said that breast milk, which helps to make a good start to raise healthy and successful generations, increases the intelligence test scores of babies.
“Reduces postpartum depression”
Pointing out that the breastfeeding process has numerous benefits not only for the baby but also for the mother, Dr. Beğde said, “Some postpartum complications are less common in mothers who start breastfeeding their babies immediately after birth. Breastfeeding mothers can return to their pre-pregnancy weight more easily. In addition, with the healthy development of the emotional bond between mother and baby, the development of postpartum depression also decreases.” Pointing out that breastfeeding, which contributes to maternal health during and after birth, protects mothers from some diseases even years later, Dr. Beğde pointed out that it will reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
“Supplementary foods should not be started early”
Underlining that breastfeeding mothers should eat adequate and balanced nutrition and consume plenty of fluids, Dr. Beğde said, “Baby bottles and false pacifiers should not be preferred as they may cause the baby's sucking reflex to decrease. Supplementary foods should not be started early. It is the right of every baby to receive its mother's milk.”
