Assoc. Prof. Tuğba Yılmaz Esencan stated that the thought of "I don't have enough milk," one of the biggest concerns for mothers during breastfeeding, does not always indicate a true milk insufficiency, and pointed out that the fundamental mechanism in milk production is the supply-demand relationship.
Stating that "the baby is the boss in breastfeeding," Assoc. Prof. Esencan said that the more frequently and effectively the baby suckles, the more milk production is supported.
Assoc. Prof. Tuğba Yılmaz Esencan, Deputy Dean of Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), and Deputy Head of the Midwifery Department, evaluated the importance of breastfeeding for maternal and infant health, effective practices in increasing breast milk, problems experienced during breastfeeding, and the role of midwife support in this process.
Assoc. Prof. Tuğba Yılmaz Esencan stated that midwives are with the mother from the very beginning of the breastfeeding process, saying, "Midwifery is a profession that stands by the mother from the start of the breastfeeding journey. During pregnancy, we explain to mothers why breastfeeding is so valuable for their baby, and we guide them to initiate the first breastfeeding session immediately after birth. In the first hours following birth, after skin-to-skin contact, correct placement of the baby on the breast, proper mouth opening, and suckling position directly affect breastfeeding success in subsequent weeks."
Assoc. Prof. Tuğba Yılmaz Esencan stated that midwife support continues during the postpartum period, saying, "During the postpartum period, the midwife regularly monitors the mother, early detects nipple problems, assesses whether milk production is sufficient, and provides both technical and emotional support to the mother. In this process, the midwife also simultaneously monitors the baby's development. Here, midwives approach breastfeeding not merely as a feeding act, but as a process learned together by the mother-baby duo, and they closely follow it."
Reminding that many mothers can experience anxiety like "My milk isn't coming in" or "I don't have enough milk" after childbirth, Assoc. Prof. Esencan said, "True milk insufficiency is not as common as mothers generally think. In the literature, the rate of primary, i.e., physiologically-related milk insufficiency, is reported to be quite low. A large part of mothers' perception of 'I don't have enough milk' stems from preventable causes such as infrequent suckling, incorrect breastfeeding position, delayed initiation of breastfeeding after birth, or early introduction of complementary foods and bottles."
Emphasizing that milk production is based on a supply-demand relationship, Assoc. Prof. Esencan explained the importance of breastfeeding frequency with these words:
"At this point, our recommendation to mothers is to breastfeed the baby frequently, including at night, according to the baby's demand, to learn the correct breastfeeding technique, and if possible, to get support from a midwife in the first few days. The point not to be forgotten is that the baby is the boss in breastfeeding. Milk production is based on a supply-demand relationship; the more frequently and effectively the baby suckles, the more milk the breast produces. Following this process will play an important role in solving the 'I don't have enough milk' problem."
Noting that breastfeeding should not be considered merely as feeding the baby, Assoc. Prof. Tuğba Yılmaz Esencan said, "Breast milk is an inimitable biological product that contains antibodies supporting the baby's immune system, growth factors, and a nutrient composition specific to the baby's age. Scientific studies have shown that breastfed babies experience fewer problems such as respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, and middle ear infections, and that the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes decreases in later ages."
Stating that breastfeeding provides significant health benefits not only to the baby but also to the mother, Assoc. Prof. Esencan said, "From the mother's perspective, breastfeeding helps reduce postpartum bleeding and promotes faster uterine recovery; in the long term, it is also associated with a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Furthermore, the oxytocin hormone secreted during breastfeeding strengthens mother-baby bonding and contributes to the mother's postpartum psychological adjustment. Therefore, we consider breastfeeding not just a feeding method, but a holistic process that shapes short-term and long-term health outcomes."
Emphasizing the importance of breastfeeding on demand, Assoc. Prof. Esencan said, "Breastfeeding the baby on demand, eight to twelve times a day, stimulates milk production by ensuring regular emptying of the breast. The mother's balanced nutrition and regular fluid intake without feeling thirsty are also among the factors supporting the process. However, the determining factor here is not a single 'miracle food,' but a sufficient and balanced overall diet."
Referring to the most common problems encountered during breastfeeding, Assoc. Prof. Esencan said that nipple cracks, excessive breast fullness, hardness, pain, and mastitis are prominent.
Assoc. Prof. Tuğba Yılmaz Esencan said, "The root of most of these problems lies in the baby's incorrect latch on the breast. Insufficient mouth opening or only sucking on the nipple causes pain to the mother and prevents effective emptying of the breast. It is precisely at this point that midwife support is critically important. Early demonstration of the correct position and latch technique prevents many problems before they even arise."
Stating that there are many misconceptions about breastfeeding in society, Assoc. Prof. Esencan said, "One of the most common misconceptions we hear in society is the idea that 'mothers with small breasts cannot produce enough milk.' However, milk production capacity is related to the functionality of glandular tissue, not breast size. Another common misconception is the belief that a baby's constant crying necessarily means 'insufficient milk.' However, crying can stem from many different reasons."
Pointing out that the belief "first milk is useless" also contradicts scientific facts, Assoc. Prof. Esencan emphasized the importance of colostrum.
"The belief that 'first milk, i.e., colostrum, is useless and should be discarded' contradicts scientific facts. On the contrary, colostrum is the most valuable first food that supports the baby's immune system," said Assoc. Prof. Esencan, also stating that strict prohibitions regarding the diet of breastfeeding mothers are not always based on scientific evidence.
Stating that returning to work does not mean ending breastfeeding, Assoc. Prof. Esencan said, "For mothers returning to work, planning is crucial for the sustainability of breastfeeding. We recommend developing a habit of pumping milk a few weeks before returning to work and properly storing the expressed milk. Having a suitable and private area at the workplace where milk can be pumped at regular intervals is important for both the mother's comfort and the continuity of milk production."
Underlining that breastfeeding is as much an emotional process as it is a biological one, Assoc. Prof. Tuğba Yılmaz Esencan concluded her words as follows:
"Breastfeeding is a biological and emotional process established between mother and baby, shaping health outcomes in both the short and long term. In the healthy functioning of this process, the continuous support of midwives, extending from pregnancy to the postpartum period, their facilitation of access to accurate information, and their reinforcement of the mother's self-confidence hold an irreplaceable importance."
