The benefits of breastfeeding: for the baby and the mother

      According to the WHO, breastfeeding is the best way to nourish a newborn and a child in the first year of life. It is a natural continuation of physiological processes such as conception, pregnancy, and childbirth. Breast milk contains over 500 beneficial substances necessary for the normal development of the child. No other nutrition can fully replace it. Let's discuss the benefits of breastfeeding.

      Benefits of breastfeeding

      Even during pregnancy, certain hormones in a woman's body prepare her mammary glands for breastfeeding. After the baby is born, colostrum begins to be produced—primary milk that is orange-yellow in color. Some women produce colostrum even during pregnancy, which is also a normal variant. After 2-3 days post-delivery, it is replaced by transitional milk and then mature milk. Breastfeeding is an important stage in the relationship between mother and child. Here are its benefits:

      For the child

      The World Health Organization and the Union of Pediatricians of Russia recommend choosing breastfeeding whenever possible, and here’s why: Breast milk contains all the necessary nutrients—proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins. They fully meet the child's needs for at least the first six months of life and help him adapt to life outside the mother's womb. The composition of maternal milk changes during lactation and adjusts to the infant's demands.

      Breastfed children are better protected from common childhood diseases. The role of maternal milk in the prevention of acute and chronic infections is confirmed. Children who are breastfed suffer less from otitis media, intestinal infections, and respiratory diseases. Research continues on the impact of natural feeding on the development of non-communicable diseases in newborns and children in their first year of life. Maternal milk helps establish sleep and wake rhythms that are set in the first months of life. Breastfed children adapt better to new conditions.

      Important!

      It is recommended to attach the baby to the mother's breast in the first hours of life, ideally immediately after birth. This will help both the mother and the child get used to the new sensations and establish an unbreakable bond between them.

      For the mother

      Breastfeeding is also beneficial for the young mother: During lactation, the uterus contracts more quickly and returns almost to its pre-pregnancy size, which reduces the duration and volume of postpartum blood loss and lowers the risk of complications.

      Breastfeeding mothers have a lower risk of developing ovarian, uterine, and breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and postpartum depression. Feeding a newborn and a child in the first months of life with breast milk does not require financial costs. Every woman can breastfeed her child for as long as necessary, provided there are no objective obstacles. According to the WHO, almost all mothers can breastfeed their children if they receive accurate information and support from families and the healthcare system.

      Principles of successful breastfeeding

      To ensure successful breastfeeding, the WHO gives the following advice to nursing mothers:

      - Attach the baby to the breast as early as possible—within the first hour after birth, if possible.

      - Exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of life—that is, do not give the baby anything else, not even water.

      - Feed the newborn and the child in the first six months of life on demand—as often as he needs.

      - Do not use bottles, pacifiers, or dummies.

      In the first few days, the frequency of attaching the baby to the breast reaches 10-15 times. The mother should offer her breast at the first signs of restlessness. Subsequently, the number of attachments decreases. Over time, the woman becomes sensitive to the baby's hungry cry and distinguishes it from crying for other reasons. The frequency of feedings decreases to 5-7 times a day. After a year, the child usually only breastfeeds around naps.

      During the first feedings, the newborn swallows very little colostrum. Between the second and fifth day, the nursing mother's body begins to produce transitional milk—lighter and less thick, but no less beneficial and nutritious. Day by day, the milk will become whiter, clearer, and more liquid, and its quantity will grow rapidly.

      Milk production depends on how often the baby is attached to the breast. The more often this happens, the better the lactation will be.

      If a nursing woman has questions about organizing breastfeeding, she should consult a pediatrician or a consultant. In many countries, there is also a hotline for supporting recently delivered women. The specialist will not only answer all arising questions over the phone but also provide psychological support to the young mother. A lot of useful information on this topic can also be found in articles on our website.

      How long should you breastfeed the baby at a time?

      The World Health Organization recommends feeding children on demand. This means that the baby should be given the breast when he wants it, and he should also finish feeding on his own—when he is full. Do not worry that the baby will overeat—he will drink exactly as much milk as he needs.

      Can you breastfeed after a cesarean?

      How your baby was born should not affect the choice of feeding. After a cesarean section, you can attach the newborn to the breast for the first time as soon as you feel that you have recovered from anesthesia and are able to feed the little one.

      When breastfeeding after surgery—a cesarean section—the mother may face several difficulties, but all of them are solvable:

      - Painful sensations in the area of the surgical incision when attaching the baby to the breast. Instead of the classic "cradle" hold, use other positions for feeding—lying on your side or back. This way, the newborn will not press on the painful area. Additionally, try using a nursing pillow.

      - Reduced milk production. If the delivery was through a "shortened program," without the baby passing through the birth canal, the mechanisms for milk production in the mother's body may not kick in immediately at full capacity. To stimulate the work of the mammary glands, attach the baby to the breast as often as possible.

      - Sleepy, lethargic baby. After a cesarean section, the doctor may prescribe painkillers—naturally, those that are safe for the newborn. However, along with the milk, they enter the blood of the baby, which may cause him to be constantly sleepy. There is nothing to worry about, but you may need to wake the baby for feedings if he has not eaten for more than four hours during this period.

      - Complex emotional state. Some women after a cesarean section (especially an emergency one) experience negative emotions, for example, they feel that they have not fulfilled their role as a mother because they could not give birth without medical assistance. Just keep breastfeeding the baby: physical and emotional contact with the little one is the best way to cope with negative thoughts!

      Night feeding: pros and cons

      The baby asks to eat at certain times of the day and night. It is worth remembering the approximate time of each feeding to better understand the rhythm of sleep, waking, and feeding of the infant.

      Important!

      Do not torture the baby and adhere to a strict feeding schedule. Demand breastfeeding is more comfortable and effective for the baby's health.

      Almost all nursing women face night feedings. They are extremely important for both mother and child. At night, the hormone prolactin is synthesized in the woman's body, which ensures full lactation. It is during nighttime breastfeeding that the volume of milk that will be produced during the day is established.

      How long should you breastfeed the baby at a time?

      The World Health Organization recommends exclusively breastfeeding the baby for the first six months of life to provide optimal conditions for growth and development. Then, as the infant's needs change, gradually introduce complementary foods in addition to continued breastfeeding.

      Many women wonder how long they should breastfeed their child. The WHO recommends continuing for up to two years and beyond, if this does not contradict the needs and desires of the mother and child. After a year, milk ceases to be the main source of nutrients but remains an important element of a healthy diet.

      Many young mothers worry whether prolonged breastfeeding will affect the child's development. While scientists do not have a definitive answer to this question, there is also no data indicating harm from prolonged natural feeding.

      The older the child becomes, the less he needs to be fed with maternal milk. For some women, breastfeeding lasts until the child is three years old, while for others, it stops after the child is one year old. There are practically no easy ways to wean from the breast; it is always a stress for the little one. However, ending breastfeeding is an integral stage of the child's maturation.

      What should the breast feel like during breastfeeding?

      As the milk is released during feeding, the mother's breast becomes softer throughout. If the breast remains hard to the touch or if individual hard areas can be felt, if you experience painful sensations when touching the breast, or if the breast feels hot or reddened, consult a doctor. These symptoms may be signs of lactostasis and other dangerous conditions.

      Breastfeeding and women's health

      Many women are concerned about whether menstruation returns during breastfeeding. There is no definitive answer here. The experiences of seasoned mothers are contradictory. Some women have their menstruation return within the first six months after giving birth, while others do not have it until lactation is completely finished. It is not advisable to rely on the experiences of friends and acquaintances—it's better to consult a gynecologist if doubts arise.

      With continued demand breastfeeding, menstruation typically returns 6-12 months after the baby is born. Deviations in either direction are considered normal. However, if you have already finished lactation and menstruation has not returned, it is advisable to see a doctor and undergo an examination.

      Menstruation does not prevent a woman from continuing to breastfeed the infant and does not affect the composition