Being a unique product in terms of maternal and infant health and having numerous benefits, breast milk also helps the baby's spiritual, physical, and intellectual development. Yeditepe University Bağdat Avenue Polyclinic Pediatrics Specialist stated that breastfeeding was not an action intended just for ensuring the baby's nutrition, pointing out that it is also vital for developing the baby's self-confidence.  
Breast milk, which is considered an exactly miraculous nutritional source in terms of the benefits it provides to both the baby and the mother, is produced according to the needs of each baby. Reminding that the nutritional content of milk varies according to the baby's needs at that moment, Yeditepe University Bağdat Avenue Polyclinic Pediatrics Specialist said that every mother miraculously produces the most suitable milk for her baby. “For example, the breast milk content and nutritional value of a premature baby is different from that of a baby born on time,” said Specialist, explaining that the nutritional content of milk varied according to the baby's needs at that moment, and every mother miraculously produced the most suitable milk for her baby. After birth, colostrum is secreted, which is a special form of breast milk in yellow color. It is low in energy, lactose, and fatty acids and high in protein content compared to mature milk and meets the needs of the newborn baby in the early days. Colostrum also has a rich content in terms of immunoglobulins that will support the baby's immune system. After colostrum, transitional milk is secreted until the 15th day, and then the mature breast is secreted.”

The First 1000 Days Are Important

The first 1000 days of a person's life (270 days in the womb + the period after birth until the age of 2) are crucial for them to continue their life as a healthy individual. Indicating that besides the influence of genetic factors, the most important environmental factor is breast-feeding during this period, our specialist said, “Therefore, babies should be fed with breast milk alone, especially for the first six months, and then breastfeeding should continue until the age of two."
Stating that situations in which breast milk does not really suffice are scarce, our specialist said, “Throughout pregnancy, in addition to childbirth, the mother's body prepares itself for breastfeeding and production of breast milk, which is the greatest need of the baby. Every mother's breast has the potential to breastfeed her baby.” 

It Helps Physical, Spiritual, and Intellectual Development

First of all, it is enough for the baby to receive only breast milk for the first six months as it contains all kinds of nutritional values such as protein, fat, iron, and vitamins necessary for the growth and development of the baby. Our specialist explained breast milk's benefits as follows: “Because of the protective substances it contains, it protects the baby from infections. Scientific studies have proven that thanks to the immune-boosting substances in its content, breast milk protects against many diseases, such as acute respiratory infections, middle ear infections, urinary tract infections, allergic diseases, sudden infant death syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, celiac disease, and cancer. Breast milk also helps the baby's spiritual, physical, and intellectual development.”
Noting that breastfeeding is not an action intended just for ensuring the baby's nutrition, our specialist added that although its most important goal is to feed the baby, actually being in skin-to-skin contact with the mother makes the baby feel safe and creates an emotional connection with the mother.

Breastfeeding Also Protects the Health of the Mother!

Pointing out that breastfeeding also has numerous benefits for the mother, Yeditepe University Hospital Pediatrics Specialist stated that breast milk reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer, protects the mother from osteoporosis, and also gave the following information: “It also makes it easier for the mother to return to her postpartum weight, helps the uterus return to its former size. We know that breastfeeding mothers have a reduced risk of postpartum depression. Breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and baby and protects against child abuse and neglect caused by the mother due to its natural calming property for the mother.”
 
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