How to cool breast milk, baby gain weight?

Posted by Doctor Ma Van Tham - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital

Breast milk is the best food for babies in the first 6 months after birth. Breastfeeding is a natural and absolutely safe way of feeding babies. It is a very important step in primary health care.

Breast milk has enough energy and nutrients needed for a baby's development:
One liter of breast milk provides about 700 Kcal. The concentration and composition of nutrients (proteins, fats, sugars, vitamins...) in breast milk are balanced, making it easy for babies to digest and absorb
Breast milk has antibacterial properties:
Children who are breastfed directly Should ensure sterility and hygiene Breast milk has secreted IgA that works in the intestines against some bacteria and viruses that cause diarrhea. Breast milk contains lactoferin, an iron-binding protein that inhibits bacterial growth. Yeast has the effect of killing bacteria, there are lymphocytes that produce IgA, Interferon, there are macrophages that produce lyzozyme and lactoferin, macrophages can phagocytize fungi and bacteria, especially Gram-negative bacteria. Bifidus factor is a nitrogen-containing carbohydrate that is required for the growth of lactobacillus bifidus bacteria and inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Breast milk has anti-allergic effects:
Thanks to IgA and macrophages that have anti-allergic effects, breastfed babies are less prone to eczema and allergies.
Breast milk is cheap and convenient:
No need to cook or prepare expensively. Create conditions for mothers to have enough time to rest, eat, foster and take care of their children.
Breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child:
Each time she breastfeeds, the mother has time to cherish and cuddle her baby and the baby is happy and comfortable. The mother-infant relationship is enhanced through breast milk, making the baby grow up fast and healthy. The mother forgets her fatigue. Make the baby feel safe, do not cause stress for the baby when being breastfed and cuddled by the mother.
Breastfeeding helps protect the mother's health:
Breastfeeding right after birth has the effect of contraction of the uterus to help stop bleeding. Breastfeeding will limit the process of ovulation and reduce the ability to conceive. Regular breastfeeding will limit the rate of inflammation, abscess and breast cancer for the mother

In order to protect the breast milk well, it is necessary to pay attention to:
Take care of the 2 udders
From the moment of pregnancy, the mother must regularly check the 2 nipples, if the nipples are retracted, daily massage must be done. and pull out the nipples. If the nipple is cracked, outside the feeding can apply Vaseline or antibiotic ointment. If the abscess has pus, the pus must be extracted and always express milk or use a pump to empty the milk to stimulate milk secretion (do not breastfeed). Before breastfeeding, you should squeeze a little milk and rub it on both nipples to make the breasts soft and not cracked. Additional food for mothers during pregnancy and lactation
When pregnant, the mother must eat enough so that 9 months pregnant, gain from 10-12 kg When breastfeeding, the mother must eat enough nutrients and supplement daily. It is possible to make porridge with glutinous rice feet..., should not eat spices that cause unpleasant odors and make babies suckle poorly. Daily should drink more sugar water, fruit juice, cold boiled water, especially in summer (especially after each breastfeeding).

Work with reasonable rest
Light work and need time off before and after giving birth so that the baby can develop well and the mother recovers to help excrete good milk. Mothers who sleep well and comfortably will secrete more prolactin to stimulate lactation. Limit the use of drugs
Some drugs through milk are toxic to babies such as sleeping pills, Tetracyclines, Quinolones. Estrogen-containing contraceptives and thiazide diuretics may decrease milk production.
Planned birth
Thick births, many births affect the mother's health, making milk secretion poor.
A child is a body that is constantly developing physically, mentally and physically from birth to adulthood. The normal growth of children according to each age mainly depends on the appropriate nutrition and response to the child's developmental needs. For babies under 6 months old, breast milk is the best food to provide nutrition and resistance to babies.