Breastfeeding is the act of feeding a baby with breast milk directly from the mother’s breast. This act is beneficial for both the mother and the baby, ensuring, among other benefits, the reduction of the risk of diseases for the child. Breastfeeding should be exclusive for the first six months of the child’s life, and it is important to make it clear that the milk contains everything the baby needs for this phase of its development. Contrary to what some people claim, there is no such thing as weak milk.
Read too: August 1 – World Breastfeeding Day
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breast milk
breast milk is produced in the mammary glands and it is a perfect baby food. It has a balanced nutritional composition that does not require supplementation with other foods in the early stages of development. Proteins, carbohydrates and lipids (fats) are present in breast milk, as well as antibodies, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory substances and enzymes.
Breast milk is the ideal food for the baby.
In the first days, right after giving birth, the woman will produce the colostrum, which has a different composition from the so-called mature milk, secreted about two weeks after delivery. In this sense, colostrum is characterized by being more viscous and having a higher concentration of proteins and a lower amount of fat.
Colostrum highlights the large amount of substances that act in the body’s defense, such as antibodies, being considered the baby’s first vaccine. It is worth noting that, even if secreted in a small amount, it is sufficient to meet the baby’s needs.
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Gradually, the composition of the milk changes, and around the sixth day after birth, we have the so-called transition milk. In it we see an increase in the concentration of fat and a reduction in proteins.
O mature milk it is the final stage of milk development, and in it we have a perfect combination of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, mineral salts and vitamins. Water is also present, constituting 87.5% of this milk. It is for this reason that the baby, in its first months of life, does not need to drink water.
It is important to make it clear that the nutrients also present in milk vary over the course of the feeding. At the end of it, we have a greater concentration of fat, therefore, it is essential that it is not interrupted. It is this high-fat milk that will ensure that the baby feels full and also gains weight.
According to the Brazilian Network of Human Milk Banks, there is no exact time for each feeding, which ends when the baby releases the breast spontaneously. However, it is important that the baby empties one of the breasts to guarantee the milk at the end of the feeding.
Read too: Vaccines every child should get
The importance of breastfeeding
breastfeeding it is important for both the baby and the mother, with benefits that go far beyond simple nutrition. See some of them below:
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Breastfeeding reduces cases of diarrhea, respiratory infections, allergies, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity.
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Breastfeeding promotes better development of the baby’s oral cavity.
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Studies show that children who were breastfed have better cognitive development.
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Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer in women.
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Breastfeeding accelerates the mother’s weight loss.
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Studies indicate that breastfeeding reduces the risk of bone fractures due to osteoporosis.
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Breastfeeding allows the uterus to return to normal size more quickly.
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Breastfeeding works as an important contraceptive method in the first six months, however, the woman must be breastfeeding exclusively or predominantly and cannot have menstruation.
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Breastfeeding strengthens the bonds between mother and child.
Breastfeeding provides benefits for the mother as well as the baby.
How long should I breastfeed?
Breastfeeding is recommended until the child’s second year of life, and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, that is, the first months, only milk should be offered. Many people, however, believe that he will not be able to guarantee all the proper nutrients for the baby and end up providing other foods, which increases, for example, the risk of the baby developing diarrhea.
In the first six months of life, it is not even necessary to offer the baby water, since it is present in sufficient quantity in milk. From six months of life, the child must have their food supplemented, but milk must still be offered until the second year of life.
Read more: Exclusive breastfeeding – recommended for at least six months
How to know if the baby is breastfeeding properly?
Throughout the text, we highlight the importance of breastfeeding the child, however, despite seeming to be an innate ability of the individual, this act is not always easy. Many mothers do not know how to put the child to breastfeed or if he is feeding correctly. This is very normal, and the mother can seek guidance from the maternity ward.
The Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology points out that, for get a proper feeding, the baby’s neck should be straight or slightly curved back, without being distended. In addition, the child’s mouth should be wide open, his body should be facing the mother’s, and his belly should be leaning against the mother’s chest, with the baby’s whole body receiving support.
Still according to society, the baby’s chin should touch the mother’s breast, his lower lip should be turned outward, and more areola should be observed above the mouth than below. Pain when breastfeeding may indicate that the baby is latching on incorrectly.
It is important that mothers are attentive to the child during breastfeeding and know how to identify problems during breastfeeding. If you suspect that breastfeeding is not adequate, it is essential that the mother seek help from a professional.
By Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Biology teacher