The question of how breast milk protects newborn babies is on the minds of many mothers. For the newborn, breast milk is not just food; it is also the first vaccine and a protective medicine. So what is in breast milk that has the ability to protect the newborn baby from diseases and what do we know about breast milk ?
The Effect of Breast Milk in Newborn Babies
Many women who become mothers for the first time think that breast milk is only necessary for nutrition. They think it is necessary to feed and nourish the baby. But breast milk is so much more than that.
- It provides nutrition for the baby.
- It provides everything a baby needs to grow and develop.
- It strengthens the baby’s immune system and protects the baby and mother against many diseases.
- Babies experience their first learning experience by sucking and it is very important that they complete this process effectively.
- The baby needs to suckle to feel emotionally secure.
- It strengthens the mother and baby relationship
- It helps the mother recover both emotionally and physically
Breast milk, which is the source of life for the baby , is especially valuable for the newborn. At this stage, it is necessary to explain the types of breast milk:
Breast Milk Products and the Protective Effect of Breast Milk in Newborns
Breast milk comes when the baby sucks after birth. The milk that comes during the first breastfeeding has a different color and texture. After that, the change continues. Gradually, the milk becomes lighter in color and more liquid. It is this gradual change in the structure of milk that leads us to analyze it under three main headings. Because the content and effect of milk at each stage is also different
After birth, the change in water composition shows three phases:Â
- Â Colostrum
- The night is over
- Mature suÌt
Because the answer to questions such as what colostrum is, why it is important and how it differs from milk at other stages is also the answer to how to protect the newborn from diseases with breast milk
1.What is Colostrum?
The milk that comes immediately after birth is called colstrum. It is secreted for the first five days and is usually dark yellow or greenish in color. Its composition is of great importance for the newborn’s needs in the first few days. It contributes to the formation of normal intestinal flora
Most of the protein content of colostrum is globulin. The level of secretory IgA (sIgA) in maternal water is as high as 50 mg/ml. After a few weeks, however, this decreases to 5.0-7.5 mg/ml. This is where the value of colostrum comes from. Because there is nothing else in nature that is equally nutritious.
Does colostrum protect the baby against diseases?
This first milk is also called the baby’s first vaccine. This is because colostrum contains complement, macrophages, lymphocytes, lactoferrin, lacto peroxidase, lysozyme components and antibodies that protect the newborn against infections. It is therefore very important to consider colostrum as the first step in immunizing the baby
2.Overpass Water (Intermediate Water)
It is the water that begins to be secreted after colostrum and continues between 5 and 15 after birth. The protein and mineral content of the transitional milky milk is lower than colostrum, but higher in lactose, fat and total calories. This milk also offers a strong immunity that protects the baby from infection
3.MatuÌr SuÌt (Mature SuÌt)
Postpartum begins in the second week and covers the entire lactation period. Protein and renal respiratory excretion is low.
What is the content of the mother’s water?
The content of maternal water is not fixed. It contains nutrients appropriate to the age and physiological condition of the baby. Breast milk and cow’s milk are composed of a liquid phase. During the first six months, the baby does not need water or other liquid foods other than breast milk. The protein in breast milk has a high biological value and alone meets the baby’s protein requirements for the first six months of life. Whey protein, which is easy to digest and has a high biological value, makes up the majority of the protein content. Breast milk, which contains nucleotides and growth factors, plays an important role in immunity.
Examples of the Effect of Breast Milk on Immunity
It is known that babies who receive breast milk have a stronger immune system. Let’s give a few examples:
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How Does Breast Milk Predict Obesity?
The fat content in breast milk changes during breastfeeding. The fat content, which is low at the beginning of breastfeeding, increases towards the end of breastfeeding. This creates a feeling of satiety in the baby and prevents the development of obesity.
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Children Who Take Breast Milk Get Sick Less!
It has been found that children who receive breast milk are less likely to develop certain diseases in later life. One of the benefits of breast milk is that it reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases later in life. According to studies, maternal water protects the baby from sepsis, bacteremia, meningitis, respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, and acute otitis media. It also reduces the risk of developing Type 1 diabetes mellitus, lymphoma, Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease and atopic diseases.
Tips for Giving More Breast Milk
It is very important that babies benefit from breast milk to the maximum extent. For this purpose , it is essential thatthe mother prepares herself for this before the birth and becomes aware of it. The baby’s room or bedroom should be made comfortable for breastfeeding, and some auxiliary materials that may be necessary for breastfeeding immediately after the birth should be provided. What are these?
- Nipple remover: A practical tool for easily removing flattened or puckered nipples.
- Nipple cream: A product to help protect sensitive nipples
- Hot-cold breast therapy: Helps to open the chest ducts so that the milk comes faster in the early days.Â
- Breastfeeding pillow: Allows mother and baby to find the most comfortable position.