IS SMOKING HARMFUL FOR THE BABY WHILE BREASTFEEDING?

Smoking after childbirth and postpartum may cause some problems with pregnancy and baby.

Do substances in cigarettes pass into milk?

It is a fact that smoker mothers have failed to breastfeed their babies, are breastfeeding for a shorter period of time, and their milk quantity and milk quality are worse. Smoking mothers stop breastfeeding earlier and switch to additional foods. Apart from that, a curious issue is whether the harmful substances and nicotine in cigarettes pass into breast milk. In the researches, nicotine and other substances were found in the milk of smoker mothers. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers smoking is harmful for the baby and harmful substances in the cigarette pass to the baby. Restlessness, vomiting, colic pain are more common in babies of mothers who smoke during breastfeeding. Smoking can change the taste and smell of breast milk, so some babies refuse to suck.

Mothers who smoke while breastfeeding are not recommended to give baby food or instant milk instead of breast milk. Because depriving the baby of the benefits of breast milk will do her more harm. So, breastfeeding while smoking is considered less harmful than feeding formula formula.

Recommendations to mothers who smoke while breastfeeding:

- The more time after smoking, the lesser the amount of nicotine in milk. Therefore, the baby should not be breastfed immediately after smoking. In one study, the half-life of nicotine in breast milk was found to be 97 minutes. Breastfeeding the baby at least 1-2 hours after smoking will make the baby less harmful.

- Do not smoke in the same environment with your baby at home and in the car, do not allow others to smoke next to the baby. Passive smoking is extremely harmful for the baby and respiratory diseases and more serious problems can occur.

- Try to smoke as few cigarettes as possible during the day.

- Smoking while breastfeeding is a behavior that should never be done. Meanwhile, the baby will be exposed to very high levels of harmful substances, both through breast milk and from smoke in the air.

- Ventilate your smoking room and your car.

- Contact the smoking cessation hotlines.

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IS IT HARMFUL FOR THE BABY TO USE ALCOHOL WHILE BREASTFEEDING?

Alcohol, which is taken through drinks, can pass into breast milk in proportion to the level in the mother's blood. About 30-60 minutes after starting to drink alcoholic beverages, the level of alcohol in breast milk reaches its maximum. The level of alcohol in breast milk is almost the same as in mother's blood, the increase continues in parallel. While drinking alcohol, it is seen that the flow of milk from the breasts is not strong and abundant because alcohol slows down the milk flow. However, after the effect of alcohol has passed, as the milk accumulated in the breasts will flow excessively, it can make a false impression that alcohol increases milk. Alcohol does not increase breast milk or have a beneficial effect, but also reduces the baby's sucking appetite and duration. Since alcohol use will change the smell and taste of breast milk, the baby may refuse to suck.

During postpartum and breastfeeding period after birth, alcohol consumption may have effects such as drowsiness, deep sleepiness, weakness in the baby. The long-term effects of regular alcohol consumption on the baby every day are controversial. In some studies, although it has been reported that the baby has decreased motor and mental functions, not all studies have confirmed this. The type of alcohol such as beer, wine, whiskey, vodka does not make a difference, all the same effect is expected. In order to minimize the harm of the baby due to alcohol, it should not be breastfed for at least 2-3 hours after the alcohol intake is over. For this reason, it is best to breastfeed the baby just before you start drinking alcohol. Chronic regular alcohol consumption has the potential to cause much more harm than occasional social drinking. Babies metabolize alcohol is half slower than adults.

Although it takes about 2 hours to remove alcohol from breast milk after a mild alcohol intake, this time may vary depending on the weight of the mother, the amount of alcohol she consumes, and the rate of drinking. In excessive alcohol consumption, it may take up to 6 hours to completely remove alcohol from breast milk. Procedures such as drinking plenty of water while drinking alcohol, drinking coffee, walking, milking breasts do not decrease the amount of alcohol in milk faster.

In summary: During the breastfeeding period, a small amount of alcohol (1 or 2 glasses) is not considered to have a negative effect on the baby. No side effects are expected unless breastfeeding is performed for 2 hours, especially after alcohol. However, consuming regular and large amounts of alcoholic drinks every day can have negative effects on the baby and cause the mother to wean the baby early.

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NUTRITION OF A NURSING MOTHER

Breastfeeding is an event that affects the mother's metabolism because a lot of minerals and vitamins pass into the milk from the mother's body. Likewise, the mother's metabolism and nutritional status also affect the amount and quality of milk. Therefore, the nursing mother should pay attention to nutrition. A mother who is breastfeeding normally and regularly gives 400 - 1000 cc milk per day. During breastfeeding, the mother needs to take more energy and mineral-vitamins. Breastfeeding mothers should receive an average of 400 kcal more energy per day than other women. The amount of protein that the nursing mother should take daily also increases.

Vitamins that dissolve in oil and water can pass into breast milk. Therefore, nursing mothers should follow a diet rich in vitamins. Eating a diet poor in vitamins for a long time can lead to emptying of the mother's vitamin stores. Taking the mother's vitamin supplement also increases the amount of vitamins in milk. The bone mineral density of the mother weakens during breastfeeding and improves again after the breastfeeding period ends. This change in bone and calcium metabolism and subsequent improvement occurs regardless of the amount of calcium the mother takes. Therefore, it is not recommended to take more calcium, magnesium, phosphorus than normal. Nursing mothers, like other women, need to consume normal amounts of milk-yogurt.

As long as the mother does not overdo it, even if it reduces eating, the amount of milk does not decrease immediately for good feeding of the baby. However, if a mother's condition seriously impairs nutrition, the quality and quantity of milk may decrease. Slight weight loss of the mother does not affect the amount of milk. It is enough for the mother to drink water or drink liquid as much as normal people, no more will be useful. The more liquid is taken, the more milk there is. As long as the fluid intake and nutrition are not spoiled much, milk production is not easily reduced.

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FACTORS AFFECTING MOTHER'S MILK AMOUNT

A mother who is breastfeeding normally and regularly gives 400 - 1000 cc milk per day. Many factors, especially the nutritional status of the mother, can affect the quantity and quality of breast milk. These are:

- Stress

- Tiredness

- Mother's illness

- Breast-feeding, sparse, irregular and without emptying the breasts

- Birth control pills can slightly reduce the amount of milk

- Smoking of the mother in the period after birth

It has been determined that doing sports and exercise does not affect the amount of milk.

It is enough for breastfeeding mothers to drink enough water and fluids to quench their thirst, no more will be useful. There is no need for the mother to force herself, saying I am breastfeeding and therefore I should drink more fluids. Unless the mother's fluid intake and feeding are very impaired, the amount of milk is not affected.

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THE BENEFITS OF BREAST MILK TO THE BABY

Breast milk is a very special food with numerous benefits for the baby. It contains many features for the nutrition, health and protection of the baby from infections. In fact, the milk of the mother of the preterm baby also contains more protective properties, as if adjusted to that baby. Apart from these benefits, there are also benefits for the mother.

The benefits of breast milk for the baby:

- Strengthens the immune system

- Protects against infections

- Increases the effect of vaccines

- Strengthens the bond between mother and baby

- Contributes to the mental and intelligence development of the baby

- Prevents diarrhea

- Prevents constipation

- Useful for baby's jaw and teeth health

- Improves speech

- Prevents allergic diseases

- Respiratory tract, ear, urinary tract, meningitis, etc. protects against infections

- The mother's first milk (colostrum) is like the first vaccine given to the baby

- It protects from some childhood cancers, leukemia and lymphoma.

- Protects against diabetes, high cholesterol, inflammatory bowel diseases

- The taste of breast milk changes from time to time, allowing the baby to recognize the flavors

- It is easy to digest than cow's milk, it does not force the baby's digestive system

- Babies fed with breast milk become more docile and stress-free

In one study, breastfeeding babies experienced significantly less death between 1 month and 1 year of age. In another study, it was found that the level of intelligence and skill was higher in breastfeeding children. In a study on preterm babies, it was revealed that breastfed babies should be hospitalized less than non-breastfeeding babies. In another study, breastfeeding has been shown to reduce "sudden infant death syndrome". Studies have shown that breast milk improves the visual skill of the baby. Compared to formula milk, it was observed that type 1 diabetes was less common in infants fed with breast milk. There is also some research suggesting that those who feed on breast milk will get less coronary artery disease (heart attack, etc.) at adult ages. It was found that otitis media is rare in infants fed with breast milk. In babies fed with breast milk after preterm birth, sepsis has been rarely seen.

In studies conducted, it has been shown that the protective effect of breast milk from obesity is stronger in babies who are breastfed regularly and for a long time.

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BREAST MILK

Breast milk is the most ideal structure for babies to grow and develop normally. No food and drink can replace breast milk.

Only breastfeeding should be given for the first 6 months after birth. There is no need for water when breastfeeding. Breast milk is an excellent food and it is sufficient alone for the baby to grow and develop. Any additional food given (even water) will give the baby a feeling of satiety and will reduce absorption. It will also increase the risk of getting sick. Breast milk protects the baby against infections in the first months with its anti-microbial substances and immunoglobulins. Before four months, the child does not yet have teeth to chew additional food, and the saliva secretion and enzymes to aid digestion are also insufficient. Early intake of additional foods can cause digestive disorders.

If the baby's weight gain is sufficient, additional foods are started at the 6th month. If possible, the baby should not be given cow milk for at least 12 months. Cow milk contains more protein and minerals than a human offspring needs. This creates a burden on the baby's kidneys. Formula milks are milk whose composition has been modified to be similar to that of breast milk and do not cause burden on cow's milk. However, severe allergic reactions of cow's milk, which can rarely occur in children, can also be seen with formula milk.

Vitamin D and fluoride: Although breast milk is rich in other vitamins, it does not contain enough vitamin D to meet the daily needs of the baby, so the baby will start giving vitamin D after the first month and should be continued until the age of 2. After six months, the baby may be given fluorine until using toothpaste to prevent tooth decay.

- When babies are born, they are born with enough water in their bodies for the first 3-4 days of their lives. Therefore, it is not necessary to give the baby water or any other drink until the mother's milk is abundant.

- It is very important that the first 4-5 day milk of the mother, Colostrum, is given to the baby. Because Colostrum is almost the first vaccine of the baby.

- Breast milk considerably reduces your baby's respiratory tract, diarrhea, allergic diseases and many more. It protects your baby from diseases.

- Breast milk is clean.

- Breast milk is ready.

- Breast milk is free.

- Breast milk is at a suitable temperature.

- Babies who are breastfed do not need to be given anything for 6 months.

- Breast milk is easy to digest. For this reason, your baby develops little pain.

- The milk of the mother giving birth to premature births is different than the ones giving birth at maturity. It is designed to feed your preterm baby better. Antibodies and protein are high against microbes.

- Give your baby only breast milk for the first 6 months.

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SHEEHAN SYNDROME

Sheehan syndrome is a rare syndrome caused by postpartum hypopituitarism and postpartum pituitary insufficiency, postpartum excessive bleeding. Due to excessive bleeding after birth, blood to the pituitary gland in the brain decreases and causes tissue loss in the pituitary gland. This causes the gland to work poorly. Hypopituitarism is the less work of the pituitary gland, that is, less release of hormones from it.

Various hormones released from the pituitary gland have different functions. Therefore, their low release also causes some symptoms. These:

- No milk coming out of the breasts after birth

- Tiredness

- Pubic and axillary (armpit) hair loss

- Menstrual bleeding does not start (amenorrhea)

Diagnosis is made in the blood test by means of showing that the levels of hormones belonging to the pituitary gland are low and the monitoring of the brain tomography and pituitary gland and the development of the typical complaints described above.

For treatment, hormones that are deficient in the body must be given in the form of drugs. Since the pituitary gland stimulates the thyroid and adrenal glands, hormones may also be deficient here, and these hormones are also given externally.

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USING CORSET AFTER CESAREAN OR NORMAL BIRTH

Concerns such as belly sagging, abdominal fat, and belly formation are common after normal birth or cesarean surgery. For this reason, many mothers plan to use exercise or corset after birth. As with every person, after birth, the most useful method to keep the shape of the abdomen-belly is exercise.

Using a corset is not expected to be beneficial in improving the abdomen and loss of the belly after normal birth or cesarean. Because the problem is that due to the weight gained during pregnancy, fat accumulates in the abdomen and belly and the abdominal muscles lose their strength. The solution to these two problems is to do the correct abdominal muscle exercises so that you can have a better abdominal shape than before. It is impossible to use the corset to lose the weight taken during pregnancy and the fat accumulated in the abdomen. The use of corset, can not strengthen the muscles that stretch excessively during pregnancy and lose strength. The change in the shape of the abdomen and belly is due to the weight lost after birth. Regular exercise and proper nutrition practice is the healthiest solution for the mother who wants permanent improvement in the abdominal region. Unless these are done, other methods do not provide permanent benefit.

It is reported that the use of corsets too tightly and for a long time may be harmful for waist health. It can cause weakness, muscle stiffness and lower back pain in the muscles around the waist. Therefore, it should never be used without consulting a doctor, and even if it should be used, it should not exceed several hours of the day. It should be removed at night. It should not be too tight and cotton ones should be preferred. Any herniated disc, spine, etc. Those who have problems should not use a corset without consulting an orthopedic or neurosurgeon specialist.

Is a corset used during pregnancy?

Corset should never be used during pregnancy. It will not be beneficial and it can be harmful by creating pressure towards the abdomen.

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