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Breastfeeding – Benefits, Technique and Nutrition

Breastfeeding is the practice of feeding an infant with breast milk directly from the mother's breast. It is considered the optimal form of nutrition for newborns and infants.

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Things worth knowing about "Breastfeeding"

Breastfeeding is the practice of feeding an infant with breast milk directly from the mother's breast. It is considered the optimal form of nutrition for newborns and infants.

What is Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding refers to the practice of feeding an infant with breast milk directly from the mother's breast. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods up to the age of two years or beyond.

Breast milk is a biologically optimised food source that adapts its composition to the changing nutritional needs of the growing infant. It contains macronutrients such as fats, proteins and carbohydrates, as well as essential micronutrients, antibodies, enzymes and growth factors.

Composition of Breast Milk

Breast milk changes throughout the course of breastfeeding:

Colostrum: The first milk produced after birth, rich in antibodies (particularly Immunoglobulin A / IgA), white blood cells and growth factors. It is especially valuable for building the newborn's immune system.
Transitional milk: Produced during the first two weeks after birth, it contains more fat and calories than colostrum.
Mature breast milk: Develops from approximately two weeks after birth and contains a balanced ratio of all nutrients needed for the infant's continued growth.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Infant

Breastfeeding offers infants a wide range of health benefits:

Protection against infectious diseases such as ear infections, respiratory infections and diarrhoeal illnesses
Support of the gut microbiota through prebiotics such as Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)
Reduced risk of allergies, asthma and atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Promotion of cognitive development and intelligence
Reduced risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life

Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Mother

Breastfeeding also provides significant health benefits for the mother:

Faster uterine involution after birth through the release of oxytocin
Reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer
Support in returning to pre-pregnancy weight
Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
Strengthened emotional bonding between mother and child

Breastfeeding Technique and Practical Tips

A correct latching technique is essential for successful breastfeeding and for avoiding problems such as sore nipples. The baby should take the entire nipple and a large portion of the areola into its mouth. It is recommended to breastfeed on demand, that is, whenever the baby shows hunger or rooting cues.

Common Breastfeeding Challenges

Sore nipples: Often caused by an incorrect latch; consultation with a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) is recommended.
Engorgement and mastitis: Characterised by pain, redness and swelling of the breast; regular emptying of the breast and medical consultation are necessary.
Low milk supply: Frequent feeding and adequate fluid intake can support milk production.

Nutritional Requirements During Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers have increased requirements for certain nutrients:

Iodine: Essential for thyroid function and the cognitive development of the infant. Supplementation is generally recommended during breastfeeding.
Vitamin D: Since breast milk contains only small amounts of vitamin D, breastfed infants are typically advised to receive a vitamin D supplement.
Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA): Support brain development in the infant; found in oily fish such as salmon or in algae-based supplements.
Calcium, iron and B vitamins: Additional requirements arise from milk production and physical recovery after birth.

When is Breastfeeding Not Possible or Not Recommended?

In certain situations, breastfeeding may be contraindicated:

With certain maternal infectious diseases (e.g., HIV in some countries, active tuberculosis)
When the mother is taking certain medications that pass into breast milk and could harm the infant
With certain metabolic disorders in the infant (e.g., galactosaemia)
In cases of severe drug or alcohol misuse by the mother

When in doubt, medical or midwifery advice should always be sought.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) - Infant and young child feeding (2023). Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk (2022). Pediatrics, 150(1): e2022057988.
Victora CG et al. - Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. The Lancet, 2016; 387(10017): 475-490.

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