Pediatrics Specialist Specialist. Dr. Murat Çağlar Erol made statements on the occasion of August 1-7 World Breastfeeding Week. Drawing attention to the importance of breast milk, Uzm. Dr. Erol said, “Breast milk, which perfectly meets the physiological and psychosocial needs of the baby alone during the first six months after birth, plays an important role in establishing the mother and baby bond.”
Dr. Murat Çağlar Erol, Pediatrics Specialist at Medical Park Antalya Hospital Complex, made statements on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week on August 1-7. Uzm. Dr. Erol touched on the importance of breast milk, its benefits and the frequency of breastfeeding.
“The importance of breastfeeding cannot be discussed”
Stating that breastfeeding is the most natural right of every child, Uzm. Dr. Erol said, “Breastfeeding with the appropriate technique, frequency and duration, not giving any liquid or solid food other than breast milk for the first six months and continuing breastfeeding with additional nutrients until the end of the age of two are the basic conditions of ideal nutrition. Breast milk, which perfectly meets the physiological and psychosocial needs of the baby alone during the first six months after birth, plays an important role in establishing the bond between mother and baby. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, continued breastfeeding with additional nutrients after the sixth month and continued breastfeeding until the end of two years of age provide numerous benefits to the baby. The benefits of breastfeeding are not limited to the breastfeeding process, but have significant positive effects on later life health. For this reason, the importance of breastfeeding in laying the foundations of a healthy life cannot be discussed.”
“Content and benefits of breast milk”
Stating that the content of breast milk, which is an ideal food in newborn and infant nutrition, provides numerous benefits to child health, Uzm. Dr. Erol said, “Since 87 percent of breast milk consists of liquid, the baby does not need water or similar liquid foods other than breast milk for the first six months. Its total protein content is low compared to cow's milk, but its biological value is high and it meets the baby's protein needs alone in the first six months of life. Whey protein, which is easy to digest and has a high biological value, constitutes 60 percent of the protein content. In cow's milk, this value is around 18 percent. Growth factors in breast milk play an important role in immunity.”
“Protects the baby from iron deficiency in the first six months”
Underlining that breast milk protects the baby from iron deficiency in the first 6 months, Uzm. Dr. Erol said, “Lipids, which provide 50 percent of breast milk calories, are higher in breast milk compared to cow's milk and are found in small diameter fat globules. The lipase in breast milk helps fat digestion even at low bile levels. In addition, breast milk is rich in fatty acids, which enter the structure of nerve and retinal cells. The fat content of breast milk changes during breastfeeding. The fat content, which is low at the beginning of breastfeeding, increases towards the end of breastfeeding. This creates a feeling of satiety in the baby and prevents obesity. Except for vitamins K and D, fat and water soluble vitamins in breast milk are sufficient for the infant. The mineral content of breast milk is lower than in cow's milk and is compatible with the immature kidney function of the newborn. The absorption of iron in breast milk is also higher than in cow's milk. Therefore, breast milk protects the baby from iron deficiency in the first six months.”
“Growth factors”
Referring to the contributions of breast milk to the development and growth of the baby, Uzm. Dr. Erol said, “Breast milk contains growth factors that provide the development of many systems, especially the digestive system, central nervous system and respiratory system. It is reported that the cognitive functions of the brain are higher in children fed with breast milk. The presence of many active enzymes in breast milk is known.”
“Duration of breastfeeding”
Giving information about the duration of breastfeeding, Uzm. Dr. Erol said, “The duration of breastfeeding should be at least 10 minutes for the baby to benefit from the foremilk coming at the beginning of breastfeeding and the lipid-rich last milk coming towards the end of breastfeeding. In some mothers, the duration of the baby's sucking may vary due to the delay in the establishment of the milk secretion reflex. Therefore, the baby's request should be taken into account when terminating breastfeeding. However, if this duration exceeds 30 minutes, it can lead to breast problems. Keeping the duration of breastfeeding short causes insufficient weight gain in the baby who cannot benefit from the last milk with high lipid content, breast problems in the mother due to insufficient emptying of the breast and insufficient milk production.”
“Breastfeeding frequency should be adjusted according to the baby's request”
Emphasizing that the frequency of breastfeeding should be adjusted according to the baby's request, not according to hours, Uzm. Dr. Erol said, “Crying of the baby is a late sign for breastfeeding. The baby's behaviors such as making sucking movements, taking his hand to his mouth, stretching his arms and legs are signs that he is ready to suck. One of the most common reasons why mothers start bottle feeding their babies is that they think their milk is not enough. Usually, most mothers produce more milk than their babies need. Therefore, breast milk insufficiency is a rare condition.”
“Breastfeeding counseling for breastfeeding mothers”
Stating that breastfeeding mothers should receive breastfeeding counseling, Uzm. Dr. Erol said, “Inadequate weight gain and inadequate urination are reliable symptoms. Failure to reach the birth weight at the end of the second week after birth and weighing less than 500 grams per month in the first months indicate insufficient breast milk. Breast milk is considered to be sufficient in case of urinating 2-3 times in the first two days, three times in the third day, four times in the fourth day and less than six times in the sixth day. In the light of all this information; regardless of the reasons for applying to health institutions, the nutritional status of the baby should definitely be asked, breastfeeding mothers should be given breastfeeding counseling, breastfeeding should be observed and breastfeeding should be supported in terms of maintaining breastfeeding.”
