Midwife Gamze Emre, “Healthy generations consist of breastfed babies”

Touching on the importance of breast milk, Midwife Gamze Emre said, “Breast milk is the most ideal food for the baby. It is natural and fresh. It is clean and germ-free, economical. Breast milk is a unique treasure. Healthy generations are formed from breastfed babies.”

Midwife Gamze Emre, who works at Tunceli State Hospital, made a statement to raise awareness of mothers and expectant mothers due to the World Breastfeeding Week on August 1-7.

Emphasizing the importance of breast milk and breastfeeding, Emre said, “In recent years, studies focusing on breast milk have revealed that breast milk is a unique nutrient and cannot be replaced in infant nutrition. Babies should be fed exclusively with breast milk for the first 6 months without even water. Because breast milk alone meets all the needs of the baby. After the 6th month, breastfeeding should be continued until the age of 2 and beyond with appropriate supplementary foods.”

Stating that the mother should definitely breastfeed the baby as soon as she regains consciousness after birth, Midwife Gamze Emre said, “The dark mouth milk that comes in the first few days after birth should definitely be given to the baby without wasting it. Since oral milk contains protective substances against diseases, it strengthens the immunity of babies. The baby should be breastfed frequently to get enough milk. The baby should be held to the breast every time it cries. Frequent breastfeeding also prevents swollen and sore breasts. Even if there is little milk in the first one or two days after birth, formula should not be preferred and the baby should be breastfed frequently. Frequent breastfeeding activates the milk ducts. While breastfeeding, it should be ensured that not only the nipple but also the brown part around the nipple is taken into the baby's mouth.”

Referring to the storage conditions of breast milk, Midwife Gamze Emre said, “Breast milk is stored according to the 3, 3, 3 rule. According to this rule, breast milk can be stored for 3 hours at room temperature, 3 days in the refrigerator and 3 months in the freezer. Breast milk is the most ideal food for the baby. It is natural and fresh. It is clean, germ-free and economical. Breast milk is a unique treasure. Healthy generations consist of breastfed babies.”