The Importance of Breast Milk in 15 Questions [Updated 2023]

Learn about the crucial role of breast milk in a baby’s development and overall health. From providing essential nutrients to supporting the immune system, discover the answers to the top 15 questions about the importance of breast milk. Get expert insights and understand why breast milk is the best choice for your little one.

Breast milk, which is the baby’s first food in the world, is the most natural nutrient that will protect him from many diseases. Here are 15 questions about breast milk.

1- What are the benefits of breastfeeding as soon as the baby is born?

The baby should be breastfed as soon as it is born. First milk has a great contribution on the formation of the baby’s intestinal flora. However, its main benefit is that it increases milk production. In addition, the hormones secreted during breastfeeding trigger the contraction of the uterine wall. In this way, separation of the placenta is easier and the possibility of uterine bleeding is minimized. In other words, first milk is beneficial not only for the baby but also for the mother .

2- Is it delayed for the baby to come to the mother in cesarean delivery?

In normal deliveries, the baby should be placed on the mother’s breast immediately after birth. In cesarean deliveries, if the mother is under epidural anesthesia, if the respiratory and circulatory parameters are stable after the umbilical cord is cut and the baby is dried, the mother can breastfeed even during the operation. Even in cesarean deliveries under general anesthesia, touching the baby to the mother’s breast for 3-5 minutes can make the milk come early. In other words, if desired, the baby and mother can be brought together without losing any time in cesarean deliveries.

3- Is it necessary to give sugar water to the newborn baby?

No. The first and only food for a newborn baby is breast milk. In exceptional cases where breast milk is not available, formula milk can be given.

4- Can the stopped breast milk start to come back?

If the mother insists on breastfeeding in short-term sudden milk cessation, the milk starts to come again.

5- How long after birth does breast milk increase?

Usually, 3 days after birth, breast milk reaches a level that will fully meet the needs of the baby. After 3 weeks, it reaches its maximum level.

6- How to understand whether the milk is sufficient for the baby?

The doctor should decide whether the milk is sufficient for the baby. The most obvious sign of insufficient milk is insufficient weight gain. If the baby gains 500 grams or more per month, which is the lower limit, it is considered that the milk is sufficient. In this case, mothers should not stop breastfeeding for the first 6 months.

7- Which foods should be consumed to increase milk?

There are many factors that affect milk yield. However, there is no miraculous food or drink that directly increases milk. It is important that the mother be fed as a standard, taking into account the basic nutritional balance. However, some scientific studies show that malt beverages have an effect on “increasing breast milk“.

8- Does fluid intake increase breast milk?

Breastfeeding mothers are advised to drink plenty of fluids. However, fluid intake is important not for the increase of milk, but for the mother’s own health. The mother who loses 1-1.5 liters of fluid a day during breastfeeding should fill this gap by drinking plenty of water.

9- Does the food taken by the mother change the content of the milk?

Eating a lot of food does not change the protein and energy content of milk very much. Only a diet rich in Omega 3 or an Omega 3 supplement enriches milk in this respect. On the other hand, smelly foods such as onions and garlic that the mother eats can change the smell of the milk and cause the baby to push on the breast.

10- Can cigarettes and alcohol be consumed while breastfeeding?

Smoking, alcohol, caffeinated drinks and some drugs should never be taken during breastfeeding. Because the harmful factors in these products can pass to the baby with breast milk.

11- What are the factors affecting milk yield?

There are 3 important factors affecting milk yield:

1. Genetic structure: Some mothers are naturally lucky in this regard. The milk yield of these women is very good.
2. Psychosocial status of the mother: The more comfortable the mother has, the more milk she will have. Anxious, stressed, obsessive and perfectionist mothers have low milk yield. In addition, the mother’s good rest and regular sleep is an important factor that increases milk yield. The tiredness and stressful environment of business life, family problems, mother’s diseases, pain and pain affect milk yield negatively.
3. Mistakes related to breastfeeding technique: Starting breastfeeding late, switching to formula and supplementary food early, giving the baby a bottle or a pacifier, placing the baby incorrectly on the breast, baby not grasping the nipple correctly, not breastfeeding at night, not breastfeeding for more than 5-6 hours reduce the efficiency.

12- Does sweet food increase milk?

Sweet food does not increase milk. It only increases the mother’s weight.

13- Until what age should the baby receive breast milk?

The baby can be breastfed absolutely for the first 6 months, absolutely until the age of 1, preferably until the age of 2, and arbitrarily until the age of 3. Breast milk is beneficial at any age. First of all, it is milk. The first 6 months alone is sufficient. When given with additional nutrients between 6 months and 1 year of age, it is useful as a food that meets the baby’s daily milk needs in the most correct composition, even after one year of age. In addition to being an excellent food, it has great benefits on the immune system at all ages.

14- What health problems can formula-fed babies face?

Formula-fed children have a higher risk of obesity, intestinal, middle ear, urinary system and upper respiratory tract infections, and allergic diseases (eczema, asthma, bronchitis) than those fed with breast milk.

15- What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother?

Breastfeeding makes it easier for the mother to collect herself during and after birth. The breastfeeding woman experiences the feeling of motherhood more intensely and overcomes the postpartum depression more easily. In addition, breastfeeding reduces the risk of developing breast cancer and protects against osteoporosis.

Product recommendations for breastfeeding mothers;

• Breast pump, also known as milking machine,
• Nursing mat and nursing apron,
• Breast protector, also known as breast shield, breast cream that prevents cracks, and breast pad for your flowing milk  are among the products frequently preferred by breastfeeding mothers.
• Finally, the milk storage bag and container are among the most helpful products for mothers who want to express their milk for their baby and store it in the cupboard.

It’s Your Turn Now – Write a Comment

Do you have any tips for breastmilking? What advice would you give to other mothers about breastmilking? We look forward to hearing from you.