Dr. Şule Sayıner Şimşek from the Department of Pediatrics at Medicana Health Group. Dr. Şule Sayıner Şimşek said, “Research shows that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes and allergic diseases in babies in their later years. Likewise, breastfeeding mothers have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer.”
From the Department of Pediatrics at Medicana Health Group, Specialist. Dr. Şule Sayıner Şimşek made a press release on the fact that breastfeeding reduces breast and ovarian cancer in women. Stating that natural, nutritious and always ready breast milk supports both physical and mental development of babies and protects them against many diseases, Şimşek emphasized that feeding babies only with breast milk for the first 6 months strengthens the immune system of babies and provides a healthy development.
Şimşek said that breast milk reduces the risk of many diseases for both babies and mothers.
“It strengthens the bond of trust between mother and baby”
Dr. Şimşek noted that breastfeeding offers numerous benefits not only for the baby but also for the mother. Emphasizing that breastfeeding accelerates the mother's postpartum recovery and helps weight control, Şimşek said, “The oxytocin hormone secreted during breastfeeding promotes contraction of the uterus and helps reduce postpartum bleeding. In addition, breastfeeding strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby.”
“Wrong breastfeeding position causes nipple injuries”
Şimşek pointed out that keeping the baby in the correct position is important for the healthy progress of the breastfeeding process. Stating that the baby's mouth should be positioned to grasp the nipple and its surroundings during breastfeeding, Şimşek said, “The baby should swallow with regular and rhythmic movements during sucking. If there is discomfort in the nipple during breastfeeding, the breastfeeding position may need to be revised,” he emphasized.
Uzm. Dr. Şimşek stated that both the mother and the baby being in a comfortable position during breastfeeding is critical for a healthy breastfeeding process. “The mother should sit upright, her back should be supported and the baby should be held close to the mother. The baby's head, neck and shoulders should be aligned,” Şimşek said, adding that the wrong position can lead to nipple injuries and the baby not getting enough milk.
“First milk is the baby's first vaccine”
Şimşek said that newborn babies should be breastfed every 2-3 hours and continued his words as follows:
“Colostrum, known as the first milk, is considered the baby's first vaccine and provides protection against many diseases. Each breastfeeding session should usually last 15-20 minutes. As the baby grows, this period may shorten as the baby can suck breast milk faster. Frequent breastfeeding is important to increase breast milk production. Adequate fluid intake and a balanced diet also support milk production. Breast milk production can be supported with foods known as galactagogues, which are effective in increasing milk. Foods such as oats, almonds, green leafy vegetables and ginger can help increase milk production.”
“Breastfeeding reduces the risk of obesity, allergic diseases and diabetes in infants”
Emphasizing that breastfeeding provides various health benefits for both mother and baby in the long term, Şimşek said, “Research shows that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes and allergic diseases in infants in their later years. Likewise, breastfeeding mothers have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer.” Şimşek emphasized the importance of breastfeeding in the first 2 years of life as much as possible in accordance with WHO recommendations.
“Those who have problems with breastfeeding should definitely seek professional support”
Şimşek said that mothers are not alone in coping with the difficulties encountered during the breastfeeding process and emphasized the importance of consulting health professionals such as Pediatricians or Lactation Consultants. Uzm. Dr. Şimşek said, “These difficulties can be overcome by getting the right information and support without having to stop breastfeeding due to problems experienced during the breastfeeding process.”
İHA Haber Kodu: 20241005AW301717