1. What is colostrum?
Colostrum is a thick, sticky, transparent yellow liquid produced in the breast from the 7th month of pregnancy. It usually refers to the first milk a mother gives to her baby right after birth. It can be said that it is the first food that a baby encounters when they are born.
In about 2 weeks, it changes to mature milk, although this time varies from person to person. Compared to mature milk, colostrum contains a lot of essential amino acids and proteins including the nutrients to build the immune system, minerals, fat-soluble vitamins, etc., and has the effect of helping babies to excrete meconium well.
It is recommended to feed your baby colostrum as it has the effect of preventing jaundice and boosting immunity.
2. What do I need to do for good breastfeeding?
It is good to learn about breastfeeding before giving birth, and to know information about how to help your baby to latch for breastfeeding. The most important thing is to breastfeed immediately after the baby is born to increase the milk supply.
Not all milk comes out well the first time, but the more you feed your baby, the more milk you get. Night feeding especially helps to increase the initial milk supply.
3. I don't know if my baby is suckling properly.
Make sure your baby has their mouth wide open. If your baby is only biting on the mother's nipple, it is easy for the mother to get hurt and it is difficult for the baby to suck the milk.
Check to see if your baby’s lower lip appears to be curled out, and check for muscle movement in the baby's temples and around the ears. If you can hear the sound of swallowing in this situation, you can rest assured that your baby is feeding well.
4. I want to increase my milk supply.
Frequent feeding is the most important thing. Feed your baby at least 8 times a day. After feeding your baby until one breast feels empty, let them suck from the other breast.
Adequate rest and nutrition are also important for the mother as well as the baby! Make sure you try to consume milk, cheese, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts (chewable) and healthy protein.
Tip: The protein and calcium stored in the mother can pass into the baby through breast milk. Therefore, it is recommended to consume milk every day.
5. I have early mastitis, can I breastfeed?
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast. When the milk that the baby has not eaten remains stagnant in the breast, bacteria invade and multiply in the stagnant milk.
Direct breastfeeding is recommended in the early stages when mastitis is not severe. This is because mastitis can be cured only by removing the stagnant milk.
