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.
