The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that newborns should be nursed exclusively with breast milk for the first 6 months and breastfeeding should continue in combination, with introducing complementary foods until the child is 2 years old.

Breast milk provides the essential nutrients and bioactive components that support growth and immune development during infancy.

Breast milk is the only food source that is easy to digest and is always fresh and clean with a nutrient content at optimum amounts and quality for the infant. In addition to its nutritional properties, breast milk is favorable for the well-being of the baby.

The composition of breast milk is variable depending on the baby’s age and health condition. Every infant must benefit from breast milk, which is the key to a healthy start in life.

References:

  1. World Health Organization, UNICEF. (2018). Capture The Moment- Early initation of breastfeeding: The best start of every newborn. New York: WHO, UNICEF; 8-12.
  2. Lyons, K.E., Ryan, C.A., Dempsey, E.M., Ross, R.P., Stanton, C. (2020). Breast Milk, a Source of Beneficial Microbes and Associated Benefits for Infant Health. Nutrients. 12(4):1039.
  3. Oktay, Ö., Coşkun, A. M., & Bostancı, S. (2018). Anne sütü mucize olmaya devam ediyor. Türkiye Klinikleri Hemşirelik Bilimleri Dergisi10(3), 228-237.

Your Baby’s First Vaccine: Colostrum

The breast milk secreted in the first 5 days following the delivery is called colostrum.1 It has a yellowish tint and is secreted in small quantities.2 Anti-infective elements, which are found in higher concentrations in colostrum than in mature milk, protect the baby against infections in the first few days. 1

Moreover, colostrum protects the baby against germs from the external environment. It is rich in anti-infective and anti-allergic elements. 1

Colostrum is vital for your baby.

References:

  1. Uraş, N. (2017). Anne sütünün oluşumu ve içeriği. Türk Dünyası Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi Yenidoğan Dergisi2(2), 130-153.
  2. Bilgen, H., Kültürsay, N., & Türkyılmaz, C. (2018). Türk Neonatoloji Derneği sağlıklı term bebeğin beslenmesi rehberi. Türk Pediatri Arşivi53(1), 128-137.

Benefits of Breast Milk for the Baby

  1. It reduces the risk of acute and chronic diseases, such as lower respiratory tract infections, allergic diseases, insulin-dependent diabetes, diarrhea, and obesity.
  2. It boosts the immune system and protects against infections.
  3. It strengthens the mother-baby relationship.
  4. It helps the mental, physical, and intellectual development of the baby.
  5. It has a positive impact on jaw and tooth development.
  6. Growth factors promote organ and tissue maturation.
  7. ‘Breast milk intake gains importance in cases such as attention deficit syndrome and apathy.

References:

  1. Eroğlu Samur, G. (2012). Anne Sütü. Sağlık Bakanlığı. 2. Baskı. Ankara, 726:7-20.