Experts note that breast milk, containing less protein and minerals than other milks, does not strain the baby's kidneys, and the protein in breast milk is the highest quality protein in nature. Emphasizing the importance of the breastfeeding period, experts state that the mother's nutrition also affects the quality of the milk. Highlighting the importance of variety in maternal nutrition during breastfeeding, experts also note that resorting to unconscious restrictions to lose post-partum weight during this period is detrimental.
Nutrition affects the quality of breast milk!
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Lecturer Funda Tuncer evaluated the effects of nutrition during breastfeeding on infant and maternal health.
Nutritionist Funda Tuncer stated that breast milk is a reliable, economical, natural, and unique feeding method produced according to the baby's needs, helping the development of the baby's immune system. Tuncer added that breastfeeding also facilitates the development of the bond of love between mother and baby, and this bond's development benefits the psychological health of both the baby and the mother.
Breast Milk Contains the Highest Quality Protein
Tuncer noted that breast milk, containing less protein and minerals than other milks, does not strain the baby's kidneys, and added, “Furthermore, the protein in breast milk is the highest quality protein in nature, and despite containing fewer minerals compared to other milks, all the baby's needs are met with proteins that aid in the absorption of these minerals. For this reason, the World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, and then continued breastfeeding with complementary foods until the age of 2.”
Inadequate Nutrition During Breastfeeding Weakens the Immune System
Nutritionist Funda Tuncer stated that the mother's nutrition during breastfeeding affects the quality of the milk and the mother's health, adding, “In addition, adequate and balanced nutrition is important for the continued ideal development of the baby. Inadequate nutrition during breastfeeding leads to the depletion of the mother's body reserves, causes her to feel tired, and weakens her immune system.”
Regular Breastfeeding Attempts Increase Milk Supply
Nutritionist Funda Tuncer noted that the initiation of breastfeeding and healthy breastfeeding vary according to the type of birth, number of births, and hormonal and emotional changes, stating, “For breastfeeding to occur as soon as possible, the mother needs to breastfeed her baby at the earliest possible time. This will stimulate the production of oxytocin and prolactin hormones, which enable milk secretion, and milk let-down will be stimulated. With regular breastfeeding attempts, milk starts to come in sufficient amounts within 3-4 days. Breastfeeding is the strongest stimulant for milk release. Therefore, the more a mother breastfeeds her baby, the more milk will be secreted. The adequacy of breast milk is understood by the baby urinating and defecating in amounts appropriate for their age and gaining weight appropriately for their age. For this reason, mothers should not worry about insufficient milk and should believe that breast milk can come in sufficient amounts.”
Trying to Lose Weight During This Period is a Mistake
Funda Tuncer emphasized that one of the biggest mistakes mothers make during breastfeeding is not paying attention to dietary diversity, warning, “It is generally reported that mothers neglect vegetable and fruit consumption. In addition, they unconsciously restrict energy intake to accelerate postpartum weight loss. This situation leads to mothers not getting sufficient amounts of all nutrients and causes nutrient imbalances in their bodies.”
Nutrition for Breast Milk Must Be Balanced
Funda Tuncer pointed out that nutrition particularly affects the fat composition and vitamin and mineral content of breast milk, stating, “Therefore, care should be taken to include all food groups in the daily diet. It is reported that a mother's food choices during breastfeeding influence a baby's food preferences when they start complementary foods. For this reason, it is important for the mother to make healthy food choices for the development of nutritional habits that will determine the baby's health in later stages of life.”
What Should They Pay Attention to in Their Diet?
Nutritionist Funda Tuncer emphasized that adequate and balanced nutrition is necessary to meet the mother's increased energy and nutrient requirements and to ensure quality milk production during breastfeeding, listing the points to consider as follows:
* Especially during this period, given the increased need for all nutrients, importance should be given to dietary diversity.
* Due to milk production, daily energy requirements increase by an average of 500 kcal. However, during breastfeeding, energy requirements should be determined according to the mother's postpartum body weight and the intensity of milk production. Furthermore, very low-energy diets should not be implemented in the first 6 months, as they can lead to inadequate and unbalanced nutrition.
* Along with the increase in energy, there is also an increase in protein requirements. If this requirement is not met, the amount of protein in the mother's tissues decreases, which can impair maternal health. Therefore, protein-rich milk and dairy products, animal protein sources such as chicken, fish, and red meat, as well as plant-based protein sources like legumes and oilseeds, should be utilized.
* During breastfeeding, there is no increase in mothers' carbohydrate requirements. For adequate and balanced nutrition, the carbohydrate sources they should consume must come from complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, to ensure both nutrient diversity and to meet other nutrient requirements, including vitamin and mineral needs. In addition, the consumption of simple sugars should be particularly limited.
Fish Should Be Consumed Twice a Week
* Saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids are among the essential fats found in breast milk. Polyunsaturated fatty acids consumed during breastfeeding also increase the amount of these beneficial fats in breast milk. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids, which play an important role in the baby's brain development, should not be neglected. Mothers need to consume fish at least twice a week to meet their omega-3 fatty acid requirements. However, breastfeeding women should be cautious when consuming fish and shellfish due to their mercury content.
* The most effective determinant of the vitamin and mineral content of breast milk is the mother's diet. During breastfeeding, there is an increase in many vitamin and mineral requirements. Particular attention should be paid to adequate vitamin and mineral intake for the increased needs of Vitamins A and E, B1, B6, and B12, Vitamin C, iodine, calcium, and iron during breastfeeding.
* During breastfeeding, the mother's fluid requirement also increases. The recommended fluid intake for the amount of milk secreted during this period is 2.5-3 liters. For the continuity of breast milk, the mother should not be dehydrated and should always have water with her while breastfeeding.