Breastfeeding is beneficial for both the baby and the mother. Babies, who are held skin-to-skin by their mother during the time just after delivery, are more likely to suck longer and more effectively.

Breastfeeding is the healthiest and most natural method of baby feeding. Constant contact between mother and baby during breastfeeding makes the baby feel safe. The neurological development of breastfed babies is better, and that breastfeeding speeds up psychomotor and mental development, boosts the intelligence quotient, promotes future academic success, and contributes to the future happiness of the child. Moreover, breastfeeding also has protective effects on the teeth and palate structure of the baby.

References:

  1. Westerfield, K.L., Koenig, K., Oh, R. (2018). Breastfeeding: Common Questions and Answers. Am Fam Physician. 98(6):368-373
  2. Irmak, N. (2016). Anne sütünün önemi ve ilk 6 ay sadece anne sütü vermeyi etkileyen unsurlar. The Journal Of Turkish Family Physician7(2), 27-31.

How to Prepare for Breastfeeding

The mother should wash her hands with soap and plenty of clean water before breastfeeding her baby.

She should clean and dry the nipple and its surroundings with boiled and cooled water and repeat this procedure before and after each nursing session because a humid environment increases the risk of nipple cracks, which would provide an environment for the growth of microorganisms and facilitate their entry into the tissue under the skin.

References:

  1. Gündoğan, D.B. (2013). Emziren annelerin emzirme ile ilgili bilgi, uygulama ve davranışlarının değerlendirilmesi.

How Much and How Often to Breastfeed

Because some babies may be reluctant and sleepy to breastfeed just after the delivery, breastfeeding 8-12 times a day in the first few days is essential for the commencement and continuation of milk production.

As it takes an average of three minutes to stimulate milk secretion, the baby should be held at each breast for at least five minutes on the first day this period should be gradually increased.

The secretion of maternal prolactin hormone increases at night. Therefore, breastfeeding at night increases breast milk production. Mothers feel rested despite waking up at night to breastfeed their babies.

The frequency of feeding will vary depending on the baby. No time limits should be established for the duration of breastfeeding sessions and the breastfeeding should be on-demand.

References:

  1. Çökelek, F. (2017). Emzirme sıklığı ve süresi ne olmalı?. Türk Dünyası Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi Yenidoğan Dergisi2(2), 375-384.
  2. Gündoğan, D.B. (2013). Emziren annelerin emzirme ile ilgili bilgi, uygulama ve davranışlarının değerlendirilmesi.
  3. Anne Sütü ve Emzirme Eğitim Rehberi. (2016). Mehmet Akif Ersoy Göğüs Kalp e Damar Cerrahisi Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi. İstanbul.