What are the benefits of breast milk? Breast milk: composition and properties, its importance for the baby

Breast milk is an essential product for a newborn baby. It contains a large amount nutrients, which 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. Part breast milk includes the following useful 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 is.

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 of nutrients. 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 of muscle fibers that carry 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 needs some vitamins in larger quantities, others in smaller quantities.

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, the orange color of milk may 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.

Salted milk becomes like this because large quantity 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 the mother has a viral infection, the antibodies in the milk increase and it can be drunk. 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

The beneficial properties contained in 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.

Often women after the birth of a child refuse breastfeeding. Many people associate this with urbanization - they say that the environment and nutrition are changing, and health is getting worse. Meanwhile, breastfeeding experts say that only 3% of women cannot breastfeed their children for medical reasons. Other women, if desired and certain conditions are created, are quite capable of doing without artificial mixtures. Often women do not want to breastfeed because they have heard a lot of myths about it. Meanwhile, they deny their babies the most valuable thing - complete and balanced natural nutrition. Let's try to understand the most common myths about breastfeeding.

1. Breasts lose shape during feeding

Changes in breast shape occur during pregnancy, during hormonal changes: growing glandular tissue, which is responsible for the production of breast milk, it gradually replaces adipose tissue. The breasts begin to swell and grow, and then in the last trimester of pregnancy and lactation they become soft. It takes time for the breasts to recover and fill with fatty tissue again. Regardless of the mother’s decision to feed the baby with milk, the breasts increase in size as much as possible with the arrival of milk (3-10 days after birth). The shape of the breasts is negatively affected by feeding according to a regimen when excessive amounts of milk accumulate in the breasts, constant or incorrect manual expression, and poor skin elasticity. The baby, no matter how much he wants, cannot spoil the shape of the breast - after all, he only grasps the nipple and areola with his mouth. With a smooth completion of breastfeeding, the shape of the breast is restored.

2. Breastfeeding can ruin your figure

Some women, while breastfeeding, begin to eat for three and can actually gain weight. In order to have milk, you do not need to increase the amount of food you eat; it is enough to eat foods that increase lactation. Plus, you can include auxiliary products in your diet. For example, which includes natural herbs, which have lactic properties. With normal nutrition during breastfeeding, a woman even loses weight. But after he finishes feeding, he may gain several kilograms of excess weight. It's connected with hormonal imbalances, but over time, the woman’s weight will stabilize and return to what it was before pregnancy. Provided, of course, that she follows her diet and exercises.

3. The baby will not take a breast with a flat or inverted nipple.

A child, expressing milk with his tongue, sucks more actively on the areola than on the nipple. When a baby is properly attached to the breast, the nipple is located under the baby's palate and serves as something like a “milk tap.” Of course, if the nipple is inverted or flat, it will be difficult for the baby to latch on to it and will take time to adjust. But the sucking reflex is the strongest in a baby; babies can suckle at the breast in any position, and even a hungry baby can flat nipple no problem.

4. 7-15 minutes are enough for feeding, then the baby simply “plays around”, using the breast as a pacifier

This is not true, very few babies nurse actively, the rest need breaks to rest and even sleep. Therefore, the average feeding time should be 40 minutes. If you take the breast before the baby releases it on his own, there is a risk that the baby will remain hungry. In addition, in the first minutes the baby sucks the “front”, less full fat milk and may not receive enough hind milk, which is richer in fat. Over time, the baby will become stronger and learn to breastfeed more actively. And by six months he will become an “expert” in this matter. By the way, how much breastfeeding to feed and until what age is decided by each mother individually.

5. Milk disappears due to stress

The amount of breast milk depends solely on the hormone prolactin, which is produced during feeding of the baby. The more often you feed your baby, the more milk comes in. Mom's nerves do not affect lactation. But the release of milk from the breast depends on the hormone oxytocin; if the mother is nervous, oxytocin stops being produced and the milk stops flowing. Therefore, before feeding the baby, you need to relax, you can drink tea that stimulates lactation, for example, ignore external problems.

6. When breastfeeding, you still need to supplement your baby's food

Breast milk is both food and drink for the baby. This is how nature intended. If you want to give your baby something to drink, just put him on your breast, because milk is 90% water. It is necessary to supplement the baby with artificial nutrition, since it is more concentrated. It is allowed to supplement the child's drinking with clean boiled water during periods of high heat and severe dehydration baby.

7. Modern formulas are no worse than breast milk

No matter how well-balanced the formula is, it cannot replace breast milk. Human milk contains more than 400(!) components that meet different requirements baby: eat, drink, calm down, fall asleep, normalize the stomach microflora, recover. Breast milk can adapt to the needs of a sick baby. Naturally, the composition of the formulas is much poorer, not to mention the fact that it cannot be changed to suit the needs of your child.

8. Breasts don’t have time to fill if you feed too often.

Milk arrives in the breast as the baby demands. The more the baby suckles at the breast, the more full it becomes. On average, a newborn needs to be applied to the breast from 12 to 20 times a day; if the child is applied less than 12 times, it means that the mother simply does not notice his requests. As the baby gets older, the number of feedings will decrease.

9. If your breast size is small, there will be no milk.

The presence of milk is not related to breast size. Sometimes a woman with large breasts has less milk than a woman with small breasts, because breast size most often depends on fatty tissue, which has nothing to do with lactation. The only caveat is that a mother with small breasts will need to latch on to her baby more often and not take long pauses between feedings.

10. You need to eat a lot for milk to come in

Nature designed it so that the baby would receive everything he needs in any case. Therefore, the fat content of milk changes in accordance with the needs of the baby, and the composition of the milk also changes over time. According to WHO, even undernourished women can produce milk in sufficient quantities and with sufficient fat content. Therefore, the main thing is not to eat too much, but to eat balanced food, rich in vitamins and microelements.

11. You need to drink a lot of fluids to produce more milk.

Everything is good in moderation. You need to drink as much as you want. However, it is worth remembering that many pediatricians recommend that women observe daily norm in 3-4 cups of tea. The fact is that tea, like coffee, is one of the natural energy drinks. Theine in tea has a slightly milder effect than caffeine in coffee; however, you shouldn’t drink too much tea, even with milk, to rule out the possibility Negative influence caffeine on a child's health. Many mothers add sugar to tea, and excess sugar can cause colic in the baby. The question of how to increase breast milk is not faced experienced mothers. To stimulate lactation, women drink special herbal teas, For example, .

12. Not all women produce milk.

Breastfeeding is a necessary function of the female body, inherent in nature. The ability to lactation is preserved even in elderly and nulliparous women. So almost any woman who has given birth can breastfeed. You just need to avoid making mistakes and be persistent if you suddenly have any problems with breastfeeding. The main thing is to believe that everything will work out!

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 development of a valuable product helps to create a connection at the psychological level between the baby and 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:

1. 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.
2. Fats that are almost completely digested by the baby’s body; help strengthen his immunity; baby growth and development; They fully form its central nervous system and, under their influence, vitamins such as E and A are absorbed.
3. 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 of mother's milk actively prevents the growth of bacteria (pathogenic) and has a beneficial effect on the formation of microflora in the baby's intestines.
4. 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.
5. Vitamins: D, A and E. Easily absorbed by the baby’s body.
6. Minerals: calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron and zinc. Their presence prevents the development of many diseases (for example, rickets).
7. 20 types of different hormones. Their presence guarantees the baby’s growth and proper development all of him internal organs.
8. Antibodies.
9. White blood cells that provide protection immune system baby.
10. 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:

1. 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.
2. Antibacterial properties.
3. The product helps strengthen the child's immunity.
4. Anti-allergenic properties.
5. The sterility of milk leaves no doubt, that is, there is no need for additional heat treatment.
6. The temperature of the product itself is sufficient for its comfortable consumption.
7. 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:

1. 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.
2. The child's immune system is strengthened.
3. By consuming it, it prepares your body to adapt to other products.
4. Psycho-emotional moment. Healing product helps the child calm down; maternal instinct and the bond between mother and baby are strengthened.

Feeding brings a lot of positive aspects for the mother herself: among them, patients with oncology of the uterus or breast are less common; the presence of milk helps fight 40 types of cancer cells; 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 formula in infancy:

1. They have significantly less problems with health.
2. They have better psychological resistance to stress (for example, the first trip to kindergarten or school).
3. They are better physically developed and more active.
4. More balanced.
5. 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:

1. Weather. It is known that at sub-zero temperatures the product has a thick consistency, and in hot conditions it is liquid.
2. Health status of a nursing woman. The composition of milk changes immediately upon intake medications and in case of weakened immunity.
3. The time of day also matters: at night the healing substance is more liquid than during the day.
4. The more actively the baby sucks milk, the fattier and thicker it becomes.
5. 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.
6. Healthy sleep And good rest mothers have a positive effect on the quality of the product.
7. 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 specific needs the baby's growing body.

Colostrum - what is it?

Colostrum, which has a beneficial effect on cleansing the intestines amniotic fluid and normalization of 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 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, from which in to a large extent The baby's health depends on:

1. The product must be collected in a sterile container. This can be glass or plastic utensils, in particular plastic bags, which in Lately gained great popularity.
2. 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 preserve all useful 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” high-calorie 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 fortified himself with the anterior healing substance and is 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.

The content of the article:

Mother's milk is the most suitable food product for a child. And it’s not just that it’s ideal for children’s digestion. Breast milk components are a natural defense against many diseases. Breastfed babies are less susceptible to rickets and less likely to suffer from anemia, dysbacteriosis, and diarrhea. Mother's milk also protects children from colds, bronchitis, pneumonia and many other infections. Science has proven that with natural feeding there is a much lower risk of developing allergic reactions The child has. Very important role breast milk plays a role in the development of premature babies - it promotes speed dial weight. Besides, natural nutrition babies lays the foundation for future health. It is known, for example, that people who are breastfed are less susceptible to obesity and asthma.

Beneficial properties of breast milk

Breast milk has high nutritional value, and the benefits of breast milk are undeniable. It contains a full range of substances necessary for a baby (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, microelements, vitamins). The peculiarity of mother's milk is not only in the variety of useful components, but also in their ratio and combination. Its composition does not remain constant; as the baby grows, it changes quickly depending on needs developing organism. And the composition of milk varies depending on the time of day, nutrition and condition of the mother.

In the process of natural feeding, there are three main periods. During the first few days after the baby is born, the mother produces colostrum. Then comes the period of transitional milk, which lasts about three weeks. And after this, the baby begins to receive mature milk. What is the difference between types of milk? Let's look at this in more detail.

The food of a newly born baby is colostrum. It helps the baby smoothly transition to milk feeding after feeding through the umbilical cord. This natural product It is unique in its composition and is very easily absorbed by the child’s body. Colostrum is a thick liquid with a yellow tint, secreted into large quantities, on average - about 30 ml per day. At one time, the child consumes up to 10 mg of this product. Young mothers are often worried - they think that the baby is malnourished. Some try to feed their beloved children with formula milk or give them some water, and do not even consult with doctors. This is not worth doing! Remember that a baby's body retains a supply of water after birth, so he won't become dehydrated until his milk comes in.

After drinking water or additional formula, the baby feels full and nurses less often. Therefore, he may not receive the essential components contained in colostrum. It may also have a negative impact on your milk production in the future. After all, the baby's frequent sucking movements stimulate the mother's breasts. This is a signal for the female body that it needs to produce more hormones that increase the amount of milk.

There is another reason why babies should not be fed or given water in the first days of life: the kidneys and digestive organs of newborns are not initially ready for large amounts of liquid. That is why the volume of water in colostrum is minimal, but at the same time it has a huge nutritional value for the child's body.

The volume of the stomach allows the baby to consume no more than 10 ml of colostrum at a time, but the child receives all the substances he needs. Characteristic feature colostrum is high level protein (several times more than in milk). This protein is easily digestible because it does not require a large volume of digestive juices and does not put much strain on the stomach and intestines. The level of valuable amino acids in colostrum is also very high - in this indicator, colostrum is twice as high as mature milk.

However, there are fewer nutrients in colostrum than in milk. First of all, this applies to carbohydrates and fats. This is due to the fact that the child’s enzymatic system is not yet developed and should not experience heavy loads.

Colostrum contains large amounts special components to facilitate digestion - phosphatides. They activate the secretion of bile, improve the evacuation of fats from the stomach and accelerate their absorption in the intestines. In addition, colostrum contains whole line active biological substances, which improve the metabolic process in the children's body. And colostrum is the source of all essential vitamins A, B, E. It contains retinol, ascorbic acid and carotene - components necessary for development nervous system child, visual organs, muscle tissue. That is, if you give your baby breastfeeding on demand, he will be fully provided with all nutrients.

It is interesting to know that colostrum does not only nutritional function. It has one more property that is beneficial for the child’s body. Due to the presence of a large amount of magnesium, colostrum has a mild laxative effect. From children's intestines Meconium (original feces) is easily excreted. Along with it, bilirubin is released, which quickly reduces the manifestations of natural physiological jaundice in newborns, one of the signs of the transitional state of newborns.

Another one important feature colostrum – high level of immunoglobulins. These substances increase protective forces small organism. There are especially many immunoglobulins in colostrum immediately after the baby is born. This means that you must give your baby breastfeeding within half an hour after birth. Immunoglobulins activate the function immune cells(leukocytes) that line internal walls intestines, protecting it from pathogens. For this reason, colostrum is even often called the baby’s “first vaccination”.

Colostrum is also different high content growth factors that contribute rapid development baby's digestive system. Thus, the child is prepared for the transition to feeding on milk. The neurogrowth factor contained in colostrum in sufficient quantities is also of great importance. It is necessary for the full development of the children's nervous system.

The beneficial properties of colostrum are beyond doubt, which is why breast milk is the ideal food for a newborn.

Types of breast milk

Transitional and mature milk

Around the fifth day after the baby is born, colostrum is replaced by transitional milk. At first, it still retains a yellowish tint and many substances characteristic of colostrum. Over time, milk turns white and its composition changes. The amount of proteins becomes smaller, but the level of fats and carbohydrates rises. The mammary glands enlarge, become firmer and hotter. Often the baby's mother feels some pain in the chest. In order to relieve these sensations, a woman needs to breastfeed her baby more often and try not to limit his feeding. When the mammary glands empty regularly, a woman feels better.

Two weeks after the birth of the baby, mature milk appears, in which it is customary to distinguish between two portions: “front” and “back”. What does it mean? At the beginning of feeding, the milk has a bluish tint and contains a lot of liquid. At the end of feeding, the milk that the baby sucks becomes more intensely white with increased content fats, the ratio of lactose and protein in fore and hind milk remains virtually unchanged throughout the feeding period. Thus, when mature milk arrives, during feeding the baby receives the entire complex of vital nutrients.

Why breast milk is the best nutrition option for a baby

Breast milk is considered an essential food for babies because it has the following properties:

· Contains all the substances necessary for the full development of the child’s body.

· Easily digestible by babies.

· Changes the composition depending on the individual needs of the child.

· Helps form favorable flora in the intestines.

· Protects the growing body from many diseases.

· Does not contain allergenic components.

· Includes various biologically active substances, necessary for the functioning of the body (immunoglobulins, enzymes, hormones).

· Its temperature is ideal for the baby.

· The taste of breast milk is ideal for the baby.

Thanks to breastfeeding naturally attachment is formed between mother and child.

Breast milk contains the following components:

· WATER. Its share in milk is more than 80%, so a breastfed child does not need additional fluids.

· PROTEINS. In mature breast milk their content is approximately 1%, that is, less than in other mammals. Proteins are presented in two fractions: casein and whey. Their ratio is approximately 20:80, while in cow's milk, on the contrary, it is 80:20. Caseins are synthesized in the breast itself, while whey proteins come from the woman's blood. In the gastric environment, caseins form large flakes and are therefore not absorbed as easily as whey protein. Due to the predominance of whey protein, mother's milk is digested very quickly and is easily evacuated from the stomach. Therefore, your baby can be breastfed often without fear of stress on him. digestive organs. Whey protein in human milk is primarily alpha-lactoglobulin. And breast milk substitutes, which are made from goat or cow milk, contain mainly beta-lactoglobulin. It is a strong allergen. It is also important to know that mother’s milk is a source of essential amino acids for the baby.

· FATS. These components are present in small particles in breast milk. They are much smaller in size than the fats in cow's milk. Fat levels vary by different stages. In colostrum it is about 2%, and in mature milk it can exceed 4%. It will be interesting for young mothers to know that the fat content in hind milk is several times higher than in fore milk. This allows the baby to regulate his satiety. If he is simply thirsty, he does not suckle milk for long - just for a few minutes. And in order to quench strong feeling hunger, it may take him more than an hour. Therefore, there is no need to try to limit the duration of feeding. According to data obtained as a result of WHO research, the child himself is able to regulate his satiety. But scientists have not yet determined how this natural mechanism works. Fatty acid human milk is characterized by relative stability of composition. Of these, 57% are unsaturated acids, 42% – saturated. It is important to know that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially linolenic and arachidonic acids, play a huge role in the development of the child’s central nervous system. Breast milk contains several times more of these components than cow's milk. Fatty acids promote the formation of prostaglandins in digestive system baby. And this is necessary for the maturation of intestinal cells and improvement of the processes of digestion and absorption of nutrients. Fats are main source energy for a baby, they give him almost half of the required amount per day. And for good absorption fat, the baby needs special enzymes, which are found in sufficient quantities only in breast milk.

· CARBOHYDRATES. The predominant carbohydrate in breast milk is milk sugar(lactose). This substance is found only in milk; there is especially much of it in human milk. In mature milk, the level of milk sugar reaches 7%. It is a disaccharide; after its cleavage, two substances are formed: glucose and galactose. Glucose provides energy, galactose is involved in the formation of substances necessary for the formation of the nervous system. Lactose is also necessary because it promotes the rapid formation of useful intestinal flora. Other carbohydrates in human milk include fructose and oligosaccharides. Oligosaccharides are called “bifidus factor”, as they improve intestinal microflora and prevent the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.

· VITAMINS. The vitamin composition of breast milk is not constant. It changes depending on various factors: woman’s diet, breastfeeding period, individual needs of the baby. It will be useful for young mothers to know that foremilk contains higher levels of vitamins. This means that you should never express milk immediately before feeding your baby. Foremilk is especially rich in vitamin D. Moreover, it is present there in its inactive water-soluble form. Then, as needed by the baby, it turns into an active fat-soluble form. Babies receiving mother's milk usually do not suffer from a lack of vitamins, even if the mother adheres to vegetarian diet. But children who are weaned too early are deficient in certain vitamins. This is especially true for vitamin A.

· MINERALS. Breast milk contains in sufficient quantities everything necessary for small child macro- and microelements. They are in the form of compounds that are very easily absorbed by the baby’s body. The good absorption of the mineral components of human milk is influenced by many factors: these are certain proportions of substances, the presence of specific auxiliary elements (such as lactoferrin) and much more. Minerals contained in other products are absorbed by the body much less well. For example, iron from breast milk is absorbed by more than two-thirds. Whereas iron from cow's milk Only a third is absorbed. And iron from infant formula is absorbed very poorly - only 10%. Therefore, manufacturers of artificial baby food are forced to increase the level of iron in their products, and this has a negative impact on the child’s body. in the best possible way. Ideal ratio of all necessary for the child elements are present specifically in breast milk. Babies fed on mother's milk do not lack minerals and do not suffer from their excess.

· HORMONES. To date, science has confirmed the presence of more than two dozen types of hormones in human milk. Moreover, the level of some of them is much higher than in a woman’s blood. Breast milk contains very high concentrations of prolactin, oxytocin, prostaglandin, growth hormones, insulin, and some sex hormones. Hormones are present in small quantities thyroid gland. Thanks to this composition, breast milk can have a beneficial effect on metabolic processes in a growing organism. Artificial baby food, naturally, cannot have such properties.

· ENZYMS. Enzymes (enzymes) are very important for the full functioning of babies. They activate the development process of the child’s body. Different types Enzymes are found in large quantities in colostrum. They are also present in mature milk, but their concentration is lower. But it is almost impossible to enrich artificial mixtures with enzymes.

· IMMUNE FACTORS. Mother's milk performs two functions related to protecting the child from disease. Firstly, it itself has the ability to protect children's body from pathogenic microbes. Secondly, it contributes to the development and strengthening of the immune system of a small child. As soon as a child is born, his small defenseless body is attacked by various types of pathogenic bacteria and allergens. Without mother's milk, it would be very difficult for a newborn to cope with such an attack. The immune system of newly born babies is not yet developed, so colostrum contains a huge amount protective factors. Let us list the main ones: enzymes, immunoglobulins, bifidus factor, lymphocytes, neutorphils, epithelial cells, lactoferrin. The role of these substances in protecting the child’s body is enormous. For example, secretory immunoglobulin A has the unique property of enveloping the child’s stomach and intestines. Thus, a reliable protective layer is created that prevents the spread pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, breast milk stimulates the formation of epithelium in the intestines and activates the production of enzymes necessary for digestion. Female body continuously produces antibodies that help the body cope with foreign viruses and bacteria. Such antibodies are also present in mother's milk, so the baby is reliably protected from many infections. There are also fragments in breast milk various viruses. Once in the child’s body, they contribute to the development of his own immunity.

· OTHER COMPONENTS. Mother's milk contains special substances - nucleotides. They are necessary for proper metabolism, in particular for lipid metabolism. Present in breast milk and specific factors growth (for example, epidermal growth factor, neural growth factor and others). The exact mechanism of their influence on the development of the baby has not yet been fully studied.

Composition of breast milk table

Read on baby.ru: baby 7 weeks of life

The older generation saw a time when doctors actively intervened in the process of feeding babies, strangers. 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. Most of this advice was not supported by 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 an emotional connection is formed between the baby and the 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 amount. 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: Most women gain extra pounds during pregnancy. But if you compare the weight of the fetus, amniotic fluid, and the increased blood volume, you get 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 your breasts with hard washcloths or stimulating your nipples will not give pleasant results, 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 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, apart from what it contains sufficient quantity vitamins, proteins, fats and carbohydrates, it is also an excellent immune-stimulating agent, because with the 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.