In connection with the start of the World Breastfeeding Week, the head of the National Coordination Center for Breastfeeding Support of the Kulakov National Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of the Ministry of Health of Russia Olga Ladodo , discussed the benefits of this approach for both mother and baby.
“Breastfeeding helps women recover after childbirth, due to the hormone oxytocin, it helps to reduce the uterus to normal size. It also protects women from breast and ovarian cancer, and prevents the development of non-communicable diseases”, said Olga Ladodo. .
Many people know that human milk protects the child from infectious diseases. But the range of its positive impact on the baby’s body is much wider.
“It also provides physical and cognitive development, increases the child’s IQ. A relationship has been established between the duration of breastfeeding and the reduction of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases in adults”, says the expert.
Many mothers start using formulas early, sometimes completely replacing breastfeeding with them. But this is the wrong approach.
“A formula bought in a store cannot be a sufficient alternative to breast milk. The composition of breast milk is constantly changing and is individually adapted to your baby. It includes vitamins, minerals, beneficial microorganisms, substances that create unique protection against viruses and pathogenic bacteria (oligosaccharides, immunoglobulins, lysocin, lactoferrin and others). The first drops of colostrum are the most useful for the baby. In the first hours and days, colostrum “populates” the intestines of the baby with beneficial maternal bacteria, ” said Olga Ladodo.
Mothers’ fears that their milk is not enough for the baby are often false. “The volume of milk increases daily and gradually, it is produced as much as your child needs. Food is provided “on demand” (but not less than 8-10 times a day, including night feedings). This is a necessary condition for milk production in sufficient volume”, advises the expert.
How to understand that the child is hungry?
Hungry, the baby begins to turn his head, opens his mouth, can clench his fists, bring his hands to his face, open and close his mouth, loud crying is the last sign of hunger, in which it is already very difficult for the child to latch on to the breast To know if the mother has enough milk, the baby needs to be watched. The child should look full and calm after feeding, in the process – grow normally, gain weight. “We must remember that breastfeeding should be painless. If a mother experiences discomfort, she should contact a lactation specialist,” he concluded. Olga Ladodo.
