Breastfeeding is the act of feeding the 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, a reduction in the risk of illness for the child. Breastfeeding must be exclusive for the first six months of the child's life, and it is important to make it clear that milk contains everything the baby needs for this stage of development. Contrary to what some people claim, there is no such thing as weak milk.
Read too: August 1 - World Breastfeeding Day
breast milk
breast milk is produced in the mammary glands and it is a perfect food for the baby. It has a balanced nutritional composition that does not need to be supplemented with other foods in the early stages of development. Proteins,carbohydrates and lipids (fats) are present in breast milk as well as antibodies, antimicrobial substances, anti-inflammatory and enzymes.
In the first days, right after delivery, 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 by presenting a higher concentration of proteins and a smaller amount of fat.In colostrum, there is a large amount of substances that act in the defense of the body, such as antibodies, being considered the baby's first vaccine. It is noteworthy that, even if secreted in small amounts, it is enough to meet the baby's needs.
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Gradually, the composition of milk changes, and around the sixth day after delivery, we have the so-called transitional milk. In it we see an increase in fat concentration and a reduction in protein.
O ripe 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, making up 87.5% of this milk. It is for this reason that the baby, in the first months of life, does not need to drink water.
It is important to make it clear that the nutrientspresent in milk too vary during the feeding. At the end of it, we have a greater concentration of fat, so it is essential that it is not interrupted. It is this high-fat milk that will ensure the baby feels full and also gains weight.
According to the Brazilian Network of Human Milk Banks, there is no exact time for each feed, being completed when the baby spontaneously releases the breast. However, it is important for the baby to empty one of the breasts to guarantee the milk at the end of the feed.
Read too: Vaccines that all children should take
The importance of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is important for both the baby and the mother, with benefits that go far beyond simple nutrition. See, below, some of them:
According to the Ministry of Health, breastfeeding reduces mortality from preventable causes of children up to five years old by up to 13%.
Breastfeeding reduces cases of diarrhea, respiratory infections, allergies, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity.
Breastfeeding promotes better development of the baby's oral cavity.
Studies show that children who were breastfed have better cognitive development.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer in women.
Breastfeeding accelerates the mother's weight loss.
Studies indicate that breastfeeding reduces the risk of bone fractures due to osteoporosis.
Breastfeeding allows the uterus return to normal size more quickly.
Breastfeeding works as an important contraceptive method for the first six months, however, the woman must be exclusively or predominantly breastfeeding and must not have had a period.
Breastfeeding strengthens the bonds between mother and child.
How long should I breastfeed?
Breastfeeding is recommended until the child's second year of life, being indicated exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months, ie, first months, only milk should be offered. Many people, however, believe that it 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, as it is present in sufficient quantity in the 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 their child to breastfeed or if they are feeding correctly. This is very normal, and the mother can get guidance from her own maternity ward.
The Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism highlights that, for get a proper feed, the baby's neck should be erect or slightly bent backwards, without being distended. In addition, the child's mouth should be wide open, its body should be facing the mother's, and its belly should be against the mother's chest, with the baby's entire body being supported.
Also according to society, the baby's chin should touch the mother's breast, his lower lip should face outward, and more areola should be seen above the mouth than below. Pain while breastfeeding may indicate that the baby is not latched on.
It is important that mothers pay attention to the child at the time of 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
