Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Nutrition and Dietetics Department Lecturer Funda Tuncer evaluated the effects of nutrition on infant and maternal health during breastfeeding.
Stating that breast milk contains less protein and minerals than other milks, it does not tire the baby's kidneys, Tuncer stated that the protein in breast milk is the highest quality protein in nature.
Tuncer said that breast milk is a reliable, economical, natural and unique feeding method that is produced in line with the needs of the baby and helps the development of the baby's immune system.
Expressing that breastfeeding provides the development of the bond of love between the mother and the baby, Tuncer stated that the development of this bond is also beneficial for the psychological health of the baby and the mother.
Malnutrition during breastfeeding weakens the immune system
Pointing out that the mother's nutrition during breastfeeding affects the quality of the milk and the mother's health, Tuncer said, “In addition, it is important that the nutrition be adequate and balanced for the ideal development of the baby. Inadequate nutrition during breastfeeding causes the mother to deplete the stores in her body, to feel tired and to weaken the immune system. he said.
Regular breastfeeding attempts increase milk
Noting that the beginning of breastfeeding and healthy breastfeeding differ according to the type of birth, number, hormonal and emotional changes, Tuncer said, “In order for breastfeeding to take place as soon as possible, the mother should breastfeed her baby as soon as possible. Thus, oxytocin and prolactin hormones, which enable the mother to secrete milk, will be produced and milk secretion will be stimulated. With regular breastfeeding trials, milk begins to come in sufficient quantities in 3-4 days. used his statements.
It is wrong to try to lose weight during this period.
Emphasizing that one of the biggest mistakes mothers make during breastfeeding is not giving importance to nutritional diversity, Tuncer said, “It is reported that mothers generally neglect the consumption of vegetables and fruits. In addition, it unconsciously restricts energy intake to accelerate postpartum weight loss.” warned.
Nutrition for breast milk should be balanced
Pointing out that nutrition affects especially the fat composition and vitamin and mineral content of breast milk, Tuncer said, “Pay attention should be paid to include all food groups in daily nutrition. It is reported that the food preferences of the mother during the breastfeeding period affect the food preferences of the infants when they start complementary foods. said.
Emphasizing that adequate and balanced nutrition is necessary to meet the increasing energy and nutrient needs of the mother and to ensure quality milk production during breastfeeding, Tuncer listed the points to be considered as follows:
“Especially in this period, considering that the need for all nutrients has increased, it is necessary to give importance to food diversity.
-Due to milk production, an average of 500 kcal increase occurs in daily energy requirement. However, the energy requirement during breastfeeding should be determined according to the postnatal body weight of the mother and the intensity of milk production. In addition, very low-energy nutrition programs should not be applied in the first 6 months as they may cause inadequate and unbalanced nutrition.
With the increase in energy, there is an increase in protein requirement. If this requirement is not met, the amount of protein in the mother's tissues decreases and this situation may impair the mother's health. For this reason, animal protein sources such as milk and dairy products, chicken, fish and red meat, which are rich in protein, as well as vegetable protein sources such as dry legumes and oil seeds should be used.
Fish should be consumed twice a week.
-Saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential fats in breast milk. Polyunsaturated fatty acids taken during lactation increase the amount of these beneficial fats in breast milk. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids, which play an important role in the baby's brain development, should not be neglected.
During breastfeeding, the mother's fluid requirement also increases. The recommended fluid consumption for the amount of milk secreted during this period is 2,5-3 liters. For the continuity of breast milk, the mother must not be dehydrated and must have water with her while breastfeeding.
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