What are the benefits of breast milk? Is the baby getting enough milk? Beneficial properties of mother's breast milk

Breast milk is the cure for all diseases. This is not only nutrition for the child, but also the formation of emotional attachment between mother and baby. With mother's milk, enzymes and antibodies are transferred to the child, protecting him from infections.

Only eight women out of a hundred medical indications cannot breastfeed. But it happens that a woman herself does not want to feed because she is afraid of gaining weight. But this can happen if mom eats for two. But doing so is unnecessary and even harmful. It's better to use folk recipes. For example, if you have low milk supply, fennel will help.

Doctors warn that if the baby is full, then you should not stimulate the production of breast milk too actively. It is not recommended to drink tea with milk because it causes dyskinesia bile ducts in the mother, and this can lead to problems for both mother and baby.

Sometimes people tend to over-exaggerate the benefits of breast milk. Of course it is better nutrition for a newborn baby, but if you have no milk at all, then don’t despair too much. On formulas, the child will also grow up strong, smart and healthy. IN in rare cases It happens that a child may develop bisbacteriosis from breast milk. Then mixtures will also come to the rescue.

There is an opinion that if a baby continues to breastfeed for too long, then malnutrition occurs. endocrine system, and the milk becomes empty. In addition, the child develops serious psychological dependence from the mother, so the period of growing up may come later, as well as psychological social adaptation, and speech appears later.

For the mother herself breast-feeding especially useful in the first days after childbirth. The uterus contracts faster, which allows it to reach its goals faster. normal sizes, an emotional attachment is formed between mother and baby.

It also happens that at first there is no milk, it appears only a month after birth. This is the so-called lactation crisis. It occurs in every third woman in the first, third or seventh month of breastfeeding.

The causes of a lactation crisis can be hormonal changes in the body, physiological fatigue and stress. There is no need to be scared or worried. There is no need to immediately rush out to buy formula a few hours later, as soon as you think you have no milk. Wait. Put your baby to your breast more often and the milk will come.

The main thing is not to confuse - in fact there is no milk, or it just seems to you that there is no milk. Some women, after breastfeeding their baby, say that the breast is already empty and there is not enough milk. This is wrong. This means that the baby has sucked everything there is. This is very good. Do not forget that nature has provided for everything, and when the time comes for the next feeding, milk will appear.

And if the baby does not take the breast, it means that you are applying it incorrectly or gave the pacifier too early. The child is very smart. If you give him formula from a bottle from which milk flows very easily, he will soon get used to it and will want to suckle only from the bottle and will not latch on to the breast. Therefore, do not rush to resort to a bottle. Try breastfeeding more often. Then feeding will improve.

The key to successful breastfeeding is starting to feed the baby in the first hour of life, following an allergen-free diet, and you should always watch what you eat while you are breastfeeding. Put your baby to your breast more often and worry less. And forget about any prejudices about the fact that the breast size is not the same, this does not affect the quality of breastfeeding at all. And if the color of the milk is bluish, then some women begin to worry and transfer the child to artificial feeding. Forget it! The appearance of milk is not related to its composition.

The most important thing is that the mother is calm, then the baby will be happy and well-fed!

Breast milk is an indispensable product for a newborn baby. It contains a large number of nutrients that are formed during the digestion process. The appearance of milk occurs due to the hormone prolactin. Preparing the body for its production begins from the very first day of conception.

The milk of a nursing woman has a slightly sweet taste. Sometimes you can notice that it is salty. Breast milk contains the following beneficial components.

During feeding, the baby receives milk of different composition. First he drinks the front contents, and then the back.

The table clearly shows how healthy and rich in various nutrients breast milk.

Composition and properties of this product do not always remain constant. They are influenced by many factors.

IN daytime milk is thicker during the day than at night.
In hot weather it thins out, and in cold weather it becomes thick.
Weakening of the mother's immunity, taking medications, and products with a strong, pronounced odor affect the composition, color and taste of the product.
Its consistency depends on the strength and persistence with which the baby sucks the breast. With strong, intense sucking, the milk becomes thick and fatty.

During breastfeeding, it is important for a woman to healthy image life. You can eat only high-quality and hypoallergenic food. Worth giving up bad habits(alcohol, nicotine). Do not eat spicy, salty or too sweet.

It is useful to feed your baby not by the hour, but on demand. This helps improve lactation and the appearance useful substances. How much does a child need in the first days after birth?

Initially, about 40 milligrams will be enough, by a month the amount of milk will increase to 100 milligrams. The baby usually decides how much milk he needs.

Features of breast milk production

To answer the question of how breast milk is formed, you should know the structure mammary gland And physiological processes lactation.

The mammary gland consists of cavities between which there are narrow ducts. Near the nipple they expand and turn into milk sinuses. At the other base of the ducts there are cells that are responsible for milk production.

Several cells grouped together form an alveolus. IN mammary gland there are several million such alveoli.

Prolactin is responsible for the production of milk in the alveoli. It enters a woman's blood after the birth of a child. If for some reason breastfeeding is postponed, there is no need to worry. Prolactin remains in large quantities even after a month. During sucking, the muscles contract and fluid is released from the cells.

The hormone oxytocin is responsible for the functioning muscle fibers, which transport milk through the ducts of the mammary glands.

It dilates the lacteal sinuses so that it can be freely released during sucking. The work of oxytocin can be felt due to the appearance of a feeling of fullness in the chest.

It is important to know how much mature milk should be produced per day. Its quantity should reach 1.5 liters. Mature milk is divided into fore and hind milk. Each of them has characteristic properties.

Foremilk is bluish in color and is liquid. Appears at the beginning of breastfeeding. It is rich in carbohydrates, salts and water. The anterior contents help replenish fluid loss and quench thirst.

Hindmilk is yellow and thick. This is a complete food for babies. The formation of posterior contents improves due to frequent latching of the baby to the breast, during night feeding and with prolonged and frequent latching on the same breast. Hindmilk improves intestinal microflora.

In order for the baby to receive fore and hind milk evenly, you can give different breasts. It happens that the baby refuses to suck out hind milk, as it requires energy. The woman hastily offers the other breast. As a result, the baby receives only foremilk. But foremilk cannot satisfy hunger.

As the baby ages, the composition of breast milk also changes. It adapts to the needs of a growing organism, which requires only vitamins in more, others – to a lesser extent.

When the baby reaches 6 months, the need for fats and proteins decreases. A large amount of lipids and carbohydrates is produced. During tooth growth, the amount of calcium increases. It is useful to continue feeding after a year.

It is a great source of vitamins and antibodies that protect against infections. At this stage the milk is very thick and yellow.

Characteristics of milk

Many factors affect what breast milk looks like. The main characteristics that define it appearance, are:

color (yellow, white);
taste (salty, sweet);
consistency (thick, liquid).

The color of the milk is influenced by its consistency and the time of day at which feeding occurs. Liquid milk has a bluish color. Thick – yellow or white.

The color of the liquid depends on the food. For example, Orange color milk can come from carrots or pumpkin. Milk greenish color may indicate the presence of spinach and broccoli in the diet. Sometimes there may be pink color. This indicates blood penetration (cracks in the nipples, rupture of blood vessels). You can drink it in any case.

The taste of milk depends on the products that the woman consumed. It can be salty or sweet. Sometimes children may refuse to drink such milk. Emotional condition mothers also determine the taste and color of breast milk.

Salty milk becomes so due to the large amount of mineral salts. This phenomenon is related to the needs of the baby. As soon as his body gets enough of them, salted milk will lose this property.

Breast milk is constantly renewed. For example, from four months the amount of calcium increases. This is due to the fact that the baby begins to learn to sit down and stand up. During this period, the first teeth appear. If a child is in pain, a painkiller component appears in the milk. In the case when my mother had viral infection, antibodies increase in milk and you can drink it. The amount of lysozyme increases when the child himself gets sick.

The milk is renewed almost every minute. This is very convenient, since the baby’s condition can also change very often.

Beneficial characteristics of breast milk

Beneficial features, which are contained in a woman’s milk, are necessary for the full growth and development of the baby.

Breast milk provides all the essential nutrients needed for brain development, normal operation digestive organs. It strengthens the child’s immunity and can protect him from infectious diseases.

This is great prophylactic from diseases such as allergies, pneumonia, diarrhea, atherosclerosis.

The question often arises whether a woman can drink her own milk. It won't do any harm, but you still shouldn't drink it. Some women do not produce enzymes that can break down complex composition breast milk. If you drink your own milk, you may experience signs of indigestion (nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, bowel movements).

The dairy products that we are used to buying in stores undergo complex fermentation processing. As a result, complex proteins break down and are easily digested.

It is very important to establish lactation from the first days. Mother's milk cannot replace any other product. It improves the functioning of all organs, has a beneficial effect on emotional sphere not only the baby, but also the mother.

Speaking about the composition of breast milk, first of all, one should distinguish between its qualitative and quantitative composition. If the qualitative composition is relatively constant and includes mainly water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, macro- and microelements, then the quantitative composition is subject to change. Changes in the quantitative composition of the main components of milk depending on the stage are presented in the table.

Quantitative composition of a woman’s breast milk in g/l

Changes in the composition of milk do not occur abruptly, but gradually, affecting not only the main nutrients(proteins, fats, carbohydrates), but everything is biological active substances(vitamins, hormones, minerals, etc.). Let us consider these processes in more detail, tracing changes in composition from colostrum to involutive milk.

Colostrum

It would be more correct to call colostrum not one of the types of milk, but its predecessor. It is secreted from the mother during the third trimester of pregnancy and the first three days after birth in the amount of 5-10 ml per day. This is a thick yellowish sticky liquid that is released not in streams, but in separate drops and is closer in composition to blood than to milk. Colostrum has a significant calorie content, thanks to which the child’s body, even with a very small stomach capacity, receives a sufficient amount of energy.

Components of colostrum characterized by high content

Components of colostrum characterized by reduced content

Transition milk

Three days after birth, blood begins to actively circulate in the mammary glands under the influence of hormones, increasing the production of early transitional milk. It is very similar to colostrum, but differs in larger volume and changed quantitative composition components. The content of protein, sodium salts, potassium, vitamins A, E decreases and the content of fat, carbohydrates, and B vitamins increases. After 7-8 days, the composition of milk continues to change, but at a lower rate than before, its stabilization begins to occur. This type transitional milk is called late transitional milk. As for the volume of milk during this period, it begins to adapt to the amount that the child sucks, that is, the hormonal regulation of volume is replaced by the so-called autocrine.

Mature milk

2-3 weeks after birth it begins to produce mature milk, which is characterized by the most stable composition. The concept of stability here is very arbitrary, since very slowly the protein content continues to decrease and the carbohydrate content continues to increase. Changes in the content of the remaining components are not of such a constant nature and are determined by the child’s needs for them, his age and other factors.

Involutive milk

Produced in the mammary gland during lactation. This stage occurs when the child is 2.5-4.2 years old, when the child is put to the breast only 1-2 times a day. The composition of milk at this time becomes more and more similar to colostrum. It contains especially a lot of macrophages, leukocytes, immunoglobulins, phagocytes and other anti-infective factors.

What influences changes in the composition of breast milk

Characteristics and properties of breast milk components

Today, about 500 components of breast milk are known, and the properties and role of each of them are not yet fully understood. All of them can be divided into several groups, differing in structure, properties and functions performed in the body.

Squirrels

Whey proteins and casein. Most of the protein in breast milk is represented by whey proteins, a smaller part is made up of casein fractions. The ratio of whey proteins to casein depends on the stage. In mature milk it is 60:40. The term "casein" is in this case not entirely accurate, since this protein is formed under the influence gastric juice from caseinogen, which, in fact, is found in breast milk. Breast milk proteins can be quickly absorbed by the baby's body. This is achieved through:

small size of casein molecules (compared to cow's milk casein);
the presence of proteolytic enzymes;
the identity of 18 breast milk proteins to blood serum proteins, due to which they can be easily absorbed in the intestines and enter the blood unchanged.

The vast majority of protein supplied from food is a source of amino acids. In the absence or deficiency of certain amino acids (essential), the body will not be able to synthesize its own protein. TO essential amino acids in newborns include phenylalanine, lysine, isoleucine, valine, leucine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan, histidine.

Free amino acids. In addition to protein, milk contains free amino acids. The presence of free amino acids in milk, such as taurine, is thought to be due to high need in them a newborn baby, which are not covered only with protein.

Important! Free amino acids in milk complement protein, which serves as a building material for the body.

Breast milk contains a special fraction of proteins, which is practically not destroyed in the baby’s digestive system and has immune activity, being components protective system body.

Lactoferrin– iron-containing glycoprotein. Due to its ability to bind iron, it can block this element in bacterial cells pathogenic microorganisms thereby suppressing their growth.
Immunoglobulins is a group of whey proteins. Their variety is immunoglobulin IgA, capable of enveloping the mucous membrane of the intestines and throat, thereby preventing the penetration of viruses and bacteria through it.
Lysozyme– like lactoferrin, it has bactericidal activity, disrupting the integrity of the bacterial membrane. In human milk its concentration is 300 times higher than in cow's milk.
Alpha-lactalbumin— promotes the formation of peptides with immunoregulatory and antibacterial properties, supports the growth of bifid flora in the child’s intestines. When it is broken down in the gastrointestinal tract, bioactive lipids are formed, the so-called HAMLET complex, which helps destroy cancer cells.

Important! Proteins are a source building material for the body, have immune activity, regulate the flow of biochemical reactions.

Enzymes and hormones. Main function enzymes are to accelerate biochemical reactions, and hormones are to regulate their speed. Enzymes in breast milk facilitate the absorption of its components, since the synthesis of the child’s own enzymes by the body is still insufficient. Thus, the enzymes pepsinogen and trypsin are directly involved in the breakdown of protein, lipase facilitates the breakdown of fat due to its partial hydrolysis before entering the stomach.

Nucleotides. When they talk about the protein content of milk, they often mean total protein, determined by the calculation method based on nitrogen content. However, the nitrogen-containing compounds of milk include not only proteins, peptides and amino acids, but also other nitrogen-containing compounds. These substances include nucleotides - nitrogen-containing compounds, precursors of DNA and RNA, the content of which in breast milk is 7-10 mg/100 ml. In the human body, their synthesis is limited and occurs only in certain tissues, so food is almost the only possibility for entry into the body. Their functions are as follows:

maturation immune system and the formation of an immune response;
a universal source of energy that promotes cell growth and division;
participate in the formation normal microflora intestines and metabolism of essential fatty acids.

Fats

Human milk fat, like most natural fats, has several main components:

triglycerides;
phospholipids;
sterols.

Triglycerides. They are the main part of fat and are esters of glycerol and fatty acids. The structure of triglycerides in human milk differs from triglycerides of other fats in the position of palmitic acid, which ensures its complete absorption by the child’s body, and in the predominance of polyunsaturated fatty acids over saturated fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acid are not synthesized by the human body and are irreplaceable. A special place among them is occupied by linoleic acid (a precursor of arachidonic acid) and α -linoleic acid(precursor of docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid), which perform a number of important functions:

promote normal growth;
participate in the formation of the immune response;
necessary for the normal formation of the brain and neuroretina;
are involved in mechanisms that activate digestion and promote the maturation of intestinal cells.

Sterols. Their most important representative in breast milk is cholesterol, which is involved in the formation of cell membranes, nerve tissue, the synthesis of certain vitamins, in particular vitamin D, hormones and other biologically important substances.

Phospholipids. Their the most important representative is lecithin, which limits the deposition of ballast fat and promotes protein synthesis in the body.

Carbohydrates

Human milk carbohydrates contain lactose and oligosaccharides. Fructose, sucrose (less commonly maltose) are not always found.

Lactose. It is the main carbohydrate in human milk. This carbohydrate is found only in milk and is therefore also called milk sugar. Along with providing the body with energy, it performs a number of other important functions. So, when lactose breaks down in small intestine galactose is formed, which:

participates in the development of the central nervous system;
promotes the formation of beneficial intestinal microflora.

For the breakdown and further absorption of lactose, it is important that digestive system the child synthesized a sufficient amount of lactase, the enzyme that breaks it down, in otherwise Significant amounts of undigested lactose lead to symptoms Small amounts of undigested lactose are considered normal occurrence and, entering colon, is used by beneficial microflora with the release of organic acids that stimulate the maturation of intestinal cells and its peristalsis.

Lactose in human milk differs from lactose in cow's milk in its isomeric structure. If in human milk it is β-lactose, then in cow's milk it is predominantly α-lactose. β-lactose differs from its isomer in bifidogenic properties and promotes the absorption of Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn. Due to the predominant content of lactose in breast milk, it has a low osmolarity, which is important for the normal absorption of nutrients.

Oligosaccharides. About 130 types of oligosaccharides have been identified, biological role Most of them have not yet been studied enough. Many of them are able to suppress the binding of toxins of viral and microbial origin to intestinal epithelial cells. All oligosaccharides are prebiotics, stimulating the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora.

Vitamins, minerals and trace elements

The content of minerals in human milk is significantly lower than in the milk of most mammals, but it provides all the necessary needs of the child’s body. The content of vitamins depends on the diet of the nursing mother. This is especially true for water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C. Vitamin D, although found in breast milk, is not able to fully provide physiological need, therefore it is introduced additionally into the child’s diet.

In contact with

The older generation saw a time when doctors and strangers actively intervened in the process of feeding babies. The feeding system at that time included feeding by the hour, pumping day and night, mandatory washing of the breasts with soap before each feeding, and the nipples were also smeared with brilliant green to prevent the occurrence of germs and cracks. For the most part, this advice was not supported scientific facts or research results. All this is very unnatural; only a few managed to feed a child until at least a year old.

Medicine and science do not stand still. Held annually various kinds studies that show the benefits of breast milk.

With the birth of a child, a lot of questions arise before the mother, the very first of which is about breastfeeding. How to apply correctly, how long to feed, what are the benefits of breast milk. Breast milk is a storehouse of vitamins and microelements, which, in turn, provide everything necessary for the baby’s growing body. Each mother must decide for herself what is important to her and what type of nutrition she will choose for her child.

Benefits of breastfeeding

First, let's figure out what breast milk is. Breast milk is a nutritious fluid produced by the mammary glands. Produced from lymph and blood. In terms of its composition, it fully meets the baby’s requirements during this period, and also acts as a protection for the baby’s immune system.

Breast milk contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, macro- and microelements and other substances.

Breast milk creates practically invisible flakes in the stomach, which, in turn, facilitate the baby’s digestion. This provides a great opportunity to frequently put the baby to the breast without fear of indigestion or overload of the gastrointestinal tract.

Lactose is a disaccharide that, when broken down by the enzyme lactase, forms glucose. Glucose is a source of energy in our body.

The fat content in breast milk ranges from 2% to 4-5%. The difference is that the fat content in hind milk is an order of magnitude higher than in fore milk. Many people believe that fore milk is a drink for the baby, while hind milk is food. During feeding, the child himself regulates his energy saturation. But how - the mechanism is still not clear.

Macro- and microelements in breast milk are contained in mild form, which allows for complete absorption by the baby.

The benefits of human milk and breastfeeding

As we know, breast milk is the cure for all diseases. Breast milk transfers not only vitamins to the baby, but also antibodies that protect him from diseases..

Breastfeeding is especially beneficial for the body of a woman who has just given birth. The uterus begins to shrink faster to its original size and forms emotional connection between baby and mother.

During the first hours after childbirth, a woman produces colostrum in small quantities, and immediately young mothers get scared, is this amount enough for a newborn? Of course that's enough! In the first hours and days of life, the baby has a tiny stomach approximately the size of Walnut and that’s why the baby doesn’t need much. If lactation is actively stimulated, milk will come faster.

Gradually, as the child grows older, milk production may decrease, this is the so-called lactation crisis. It occurs in every third woman, and most often occurs in the second, third and fifth months of breastfeeding. These numbers may vary, because each woman’s body is individual. The cause of a lactation crisis can be stress, hormonal changes in the body, or lack of sleep. In order for this period to pass faster, the young mother needs to rest more, put the newborn to the breast more often, thereby stimulating lactation, and also sleep more. This can be done if nap go to bed with your child, then you can forget about lack of sleep.

If the child is full, then there is no need to actively stimulate lactation. After all, the baby will not be able to eat more than he should, and the young mother will suffer and experience discomfort with excess milk. There may be a need to express excess amounts. Also the most unpleasant moment- this is lactostasis.

Lactostasis- stagnation of milk in the mammary glands of a nursing woman.

The most common causes of lactostasis:

Prevention of lactostasis

What do you need to remember to avoid such unpleasant phenomenon How is lactostasis? After all, if lactostasis starts, in other words, milk stagnation, then it will develop into mastitis.

Helps completely empty your breasts correct attachment of the baby. The child must grasp the nipple correctly so that the process occurs as gently and comfortably as possible, without pain, this will help avoid stagnation;
Change position every feeding, then the milk lobules will be completely emptied, reducing the possibility of squeezing the milk ducts;
You also need to remember that untimely emptying of the breast leads to stagnation in the chest, and therefore better feed the baby on demand, and not by the clock, then the breasts will empty as expected, without lactostasis.

How to properly attach your baby to the breast

Application technique

When the baby has latched onto the breast correctly, his cheeks are puffed out, not pulled inward, his lips are turned out, and underlip completely turned out, the chest does not block the nose and makes it possible to breathe deeply.

Myth #1 Breastfeeding spoils your breasts

Fact: Breasts change during pregnancy. It is then that it becomes heavier, swells and increases in size, and stretch marks may even appear. Breasts will not get better after breastfeeding. Breasts become softer after feeding, but is this a problem? The greatest happiness is a fed child, because, if you look at it, this is exactly what a woman needs her breasts for.

Myth No. 2 Breastfeeding spoils your figure

Fact: Mostly overweight a woman gains during pregnancy. But if you compare the weight of the fetus, amniotic fluid, increased blood volume, then an average of 10 kg. Immediately after giving birth, a woman can leave them in the maternity hospital.

If you eat for two while breastfeeding, then naturally the woman will gain excess weight. If the young mother adheres proper nutrition, and the weight is growing, this may indicate hormonal imbalance, you need to see a doctor about this. Immediately after giving birth, breastfeeding only improves your shape! After all, the uterus begins to actively contract, thereby reducing it to its original size and thus the tummy falls into place.

Myth No. 3 Breasts need to be prepared for feeding

Fact: there is no need to prepare the breasts, everything is arranged by nature and after childbirth the breasts are completely ready for feeding. Rubbing the breasts with hard washcloths, nipple stimulation nice results It won’t, but most likely there will be consequences.

Myth No. 4 Until the milk comes, you need to supplement with water

Fact: in the first hours and days of life, a woman produces colostrum, the amount of it is quite enough for the baby, and if the baby actively sucks, lactation will soon begin. Why rush and replace?

Myth No. 5 Milk is food, the child should be given something to drink

Fact: Breast milk is both food and water for a baby. Because there is foremilk and hindmilk. The front one is basically considered as water for the baby, he quenches his thirst with it, the back one is denser and has more fat content, the baby eats it up, and therefore the child does not need additional drinks.

Myth No. 6 While there is no milk, the baby needs to be supplemented with formula, because he is hungry

Fact: as stated above, in the first days of a child’s life there is enough colostrum; the baby does not lose weight from hunger, it is physiological feature and this happens in almost every newborn. If you start supplementing with formula feeding, so-called nipple confusion may occur and as a result the baby will simply refuse to breastfeed, but why is this necessary?

Myth No. 7 After each feeding, you need to pump so that your milk supply does not decrease.

Fact: with established lactation, additional stimulation is not needed, because there will be an excess of milk produced, after which there will be stagnation. If the child eats by the hour, then, in this case, milk production will actually begin to decrease; to avoid this, feed the child as required.

Myth No. 8 A baby should suckle on two breasts during one feeding

Fact: why? During one feeding, the baby should completely empty one breast, thereby getting enough of the fore and hind milk. If he is given both breasts, he will only eat foremilk, which is not as fatty and nutritious as hindmilk.

Myth No. 9 If a baby often asks for the breast, it means he is hungry

Fact: Not true. Thus, the baby simply seeks and establishes a connection with his mother. The child seeks closeness with his mother. Or quench their thirst. Don't refuse the little one.

Myth #10 If your breasts are soft, it means there is no milk.

Fact: This is false. If the breast is soft, the baby is calm and not hungry, then the mother has established lactation. Milk is produced during sucking, i.e. stimulation of the breast, and not just when he wants it.

Myth No. 11 Nerves can cause milk to disappear

Fact: milk is produced under the influence of the hormone prolactin, and nothing else affects it.

Myth No. 12 The nutritional value of milk is affected by the mother’s nutrition

Fact: False. The mother's nutrition affects the vitamin and mineral composition of milk, but not its fat content or nutritional value. After all, milk is produced from lymph and blood, and not from the mother’s food. Many women who play sports and watch their diet, without consuming tea with condensed milk in their diet, fully feed their children until they are one or two years old, and they, in turn, do not lose weight, develop correctly and do not experience a deficiency of nutrients.

Myth No. 13 If you exercise, your milk will burn out

Fact: Not true. After giving birth, many young mothers begin to get into their original shape and go to the gym; many of them successfully breastfeed their children for more than a year. For some, this myth is just a reason not to study.

Myth No. 14 There are no nutrients in milk after a year

Fact: after a year, milk does not lose its beneficial properties; the composition of milk can vary from the child’s needs to at different ages, but in no way become “empty” and useless.

Optimal age for feeding

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends feeding your baby up to two years of age.

For the first six months, the baby should receive exclusively breast milk, without supplements or complementary foods. Breast milk is the ideal food for newborns.

After six months, the baby can be introduced to complementary foods. Food must be introduced gradually, monitoring the reaction, and be prepared in a safe manner.

Every mother knows her child better and feels better at what age it is best to feed her baby.

Conclusion

There is nothing healthier than mother’s milk, in addition to the fact that it contains a sufficient amount of vitamins, proteins, fats and carbohydrates, it is also an excellent immune-stimulating agent, because with mother’s milk the antibodies produced are transferred to the child, which protect the baby from various diseases.

During breastfeeding, the psycho-emotional and physical connection between mother and child is established, what could be more beautiful? When a mother hugs her child, she conveys all her warmth, love and care to him. The baby calms down faster near the breast, because he feels how much he is loved.

It is a well-known truth that longer baby receives breast milk, the fewer health problems he will have in the future. But you shouldn’t take the situation to the point of absurdity: when a four-year-old child demands “to give him the breast,” this is at least not normal. So why is breast milk so good? How long should the baby receive it (of course, if the mother has it at all)? How much is enough to make the baby feel comfortable?

What kind of product is this - breast milk?

This unique product, which includes great amount living cells, created by nature itself. Breast milk perfectly balances all the beneficial substances that are easily absorbed by the child’s not yet fully strengthened body. In addition, the production valuable product helps create connections on psychological level baby with his mother.

On a note! Ready-made milk formulas contain absolutely no living cells.

Composition of breast milk

Long before the birth of a child, a woman’s body begins to prepare for this event, creating a healing product that the baby will subsequently need. This process occurs solely thanks to a hormone such as prolactin. The composition of breast milk includes: fat (about 4%), water (88%), lactose (7%), protein (about 1%), vitamins, minerals, hormones, antibodies, white blood cells and enzymes. Each component has its own properties and functions performed in the baby’s body. Let's take a closer look at each component:

Biologically active liquid (BAJ), which is the main component of milk. It is perfectly absorbed. If the baby is breastfed, then there is no need to give him additional water, since BAJ completely copes with water balance.
Fats that are almost completely digested by the baby’s body; help strengthen his immunity; baby growth and development; fully form its central nervous system and under their influence vitamins such as E and A are absorbed.
Carbohydrates in the form of lactose (that is, milk sugar). They have a significant effect on the development of the brain and central nervous system. This component mother's milk actively prevents the growth of bacteria (pathogenic) and has a beneficial effect on the formation of microflora in the child’s intestines.
Proteins, which are like “air”, are needed by the cells of a growing organism as a building material. They are the basis for the baby’s growth, that is, his muscle mass. Proteins include: lipase, necessary for the absorption of all fats and carbohydrates; lactase, involved in the breakdown of lactose; lactoferrin, which is a source of iron; taurine, necessary for brain and central nervous system development; whey protein and nucleotides, which are natural building materials for DNA.
Vitamins: D, A and E. Easily absorbed by the baby’s body.
Minerals: calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron and zinc. Their presence prevents the development of many diseases (for example, rickets).
20 types of different hormones. Their presence guarantees the baby’s growth and proper development all of him internal organs.
Antibodies.
Leukocytes that protect the infant's immune system.
Enzymes so necessary for the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

On a note! The most interesting thing is that the composition of a woman’s breast milk has not yet been fully studied and researched. One thing is certain: no formula can even come close to breast milk in terms of richness of composition.

Properties of mother's milk

Invaluable breast milk, the composition and properties of which are thought out by nature itself, continues to excite the minds of the greatest scientists on the planet, who are still discovering more and more of its properties. Here is a list of already known ones:

All nutrients are balanced and perfect so that their absorption by the baby’s body occurs easily and naturally, ensuring proper development, including brain function, and growth.
Antibacterial properties.
The product helps strengthen the child's immunity.
Anti-allergenic properties.
The sterility of milk leaves no doubt, that is, there is no need for additional heat treatment.
The temperature of the product itself is sufficient for its comfortable consumption.
Nature has made sure that the feeding procedure is extremely simple and convenient.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

The importance of breast milk cannot be overestimated. The main benefits of breastfeeding are as follows:

Mother's milk is not only a source of nutrition, but also a source of quenching thirst, since its main component is nothing more than water.
The child's immune system is strengthened.
By consuming it, it prepares your body to adapt to other products.
Psycho-emotional moment. The healing product helps the child calm down; maternal instinct and the bond between mother and baby are strengthened.

Feeding brings mass positive points and for the mother herself: among them, patients with oncology of the uterus or breast are less common; the presence of milk helps fight cancer cells 40 types; In the process of putting the baby to the breast, a hormone such as oxytocin is produced, which accelerates the contraction of the uterus.

Psychological benefits of breastfeeding

Scientific research confirm that children who were breastfed differ in some respects from their counterparts who received exclusively artificial mixtures:

They have significantly less problems with health.
They have better psychological resistance to stress (for example, the first trip to kindergarten or school).
They are better physically developed and more active.
More balanced.
They are distinguished by their sociability.

Factors affecting the quality of breast milk

The main characteristics of the product are its consistency (thin or thick), taste (sweet or salty) and color (white or yellowish). There are many factors that to a certain extent affect the quality of breast milk:

Weather. It is known that at sub-zero temperatures the product has a thick consistency, and in hot conditions it is liquid.
Health status of a nursing woman. The composition of milk changes immediately upon intake medications and in case of weakened immunity.
The time of day also matters: at night the healing substance is more liquid than during the day.
The more actively the baby sucks milk, the fattier and thicker it becomes.
The frequency of latching the baby to the breast is also important. The more often this happens, the more beneficial substances are formed in the milk. The volume of the product also increases.
Healthy sleep And good rest mothers have a positive effect on the quality of the product.
The color and taste of the product largely depend on what the nursing woman eats. For example, carrots or pumpkin can give it an orange color; and spinach or broccoli has a greenish tint.

Important! If the milk has acquired a pinkish color, this means that blood has entered it from cracks in the nipples or in some other way. It's worth thinking about how to prevent this.

In addition, over time (that is, as the baby grows), the fat content of milk increases.

Features of breast milk production

During the entire period, starting from the moment of formation of mother's milk and ending with the day when lactation ends, this healing substance undergoes constant changes in its composition - from colostrum to a mature state. That is, milk is constantly developing, adapting to the specific needs of the baby’s growing body.

Colostrum - what is it?

Colostrum, which has a beneficial effect on cleansing the intestines of amniotic fluid and normalizing stool, appears within the first 3 days after birth. Its quantity is small - only about 10 ml per day, but it is enough for the baby. This type of milk is a sticky yellowish liquid that is released exclusively in the form of drops. Colostrum is extremely high in calories, so your baby gets plenty of energy.

Transition milk

Starting from the fourth day, transitional milk appears, which is slightly similar in color to colostrum, but differs from it in composition. This type of product does not contain much protein, vitamins E and A, as well as potassium and sodium salts. But it already contains more carbohydrates, B vitamins and fat. A week later, the process of changing the composition starts again: it is true, not as fast as it was at the beginning, but still. Then stabilization occurs.

Mature milk

On the 21st day of breastfeeding, full-fledged mature milk is produced (1.5 liters per day), containing a large amount of fats, proteins and everything that was written about above. From this point on, the composition of the product can be considered relatively stable, despite the fact that some not very significant changes do occur. For example, very slowly the amount of proteins decreases, and the amount of carbohydrates increases.

How to store breast milk and in what? Need to know a few important rules, on which the baby’s health largely depends:

The product must be collected in a sterile container. This can be glass or plastic utensils, in particular plastic bags, which Lately gained great popularity.
The container must be tightly closed and placed in the refrigerator. Optimal time storage - five days. After this time, it is better not to use it, but simply throw it away. When storing the product in the freezer: at a temperature of -15 degrees, it can be used within two weeks; at a temperature of -18, the shelf life increases to 6 months, but in this case you should not hope to retain all the beneficial properties inherent in fresh milk.

On a note! The product must be heated before use. In addition, on containers in mandatory You must indicate the date and time of pumping.

Amount of essential food product for a child

How much breast milk should a baby eat? In the first days after birth, 40 mg will be sufficient. Upon reaching one month, the dose is increased to 100 mg.

On a note! Many mothers are sure that the child himself must determine the amount that he needs in each period of his life, then that much milk will be enough. The issue is controversial, but perhaps there is some truth in this statement. Decide for yourself. And if in doubt, it is better to consult a doctor.

Ways to increase the fat content of mother's milk

Many people are interested in how to increase the fat content of breast milk and whether it can be done at all. Some people think that to solve this issue, the mother simply needs to “lean on” the caloric and fatty foods. We dare to assure you that such measures will only lead to the appearance of extra pounds on the hips or waist of the breastfeeding woman, and the fat content that was there will remain that way. The percentage of fat content can only be affected by the child’s activity.

On a note! The “litmus test” for the fat content of a product can be a constant and definite increase in the baby’s weight. If this figure per month is about 100 grams, then everything is in order. Don't even think about the problem described above.

Feeding process

Milk production is a two-step process:

Immediately after being attached to the breast, the baby receives foremilk, which is located in close proximity to the nipple. It is not very viscous in consistency, transparent in color, and looks more like water, which a baby uses to quench his thirst. This type of product is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, salts and vitamins.
Then hindmilk begins to flow, which constitutes the baby’s main diet. It is viscous, greasy and white. This type of product significantly improves the baby's intestinal microflora.

Advice! Sometimes a child, having refreshed himself with the front healing substance and tired of this process, refuses to feed on hind milk. You should not immediately offer him another breast: in this case, he will be hungry all the time.