Updated Date: 07.07.2024

• Why Should You Breastfeed?
• Every mother's milk is the most perfect food , prepared specifically for her baby and according to the baby 's condition .
• It is very easy to digest .
• When a mother breastfeeds her baby , the mother-baby relationship becomes stronger, it becomes easier for the mother to accept her baby and for the baby to gain a healthy personality .
• Breast milk contains the perfect combination of proteins , fats , vitamins and carbohydrates .
• Antibodies, living cells, enzymes and hormones found in breast milk protect your baby against infections and diseases .
• It is known that babies who are breastfed have higher intelligence levels .
• Breastfeeding mothers return to their previous weight more quickly.
• Breastfeeding reduces the risk of maternal breast and ovarian cancer , postmenopausal osteoporosis , and hip fractures .
• Breastfeeding makes the life of the mother and the family easier , less time and money is spent .
• The breastfeeding mother 's self-confidence and feeling of closeness and bonding with her baby increases .
• Breastfeeding reduces health expenditures for both the family and the state .
• Productivity increases in workplaces where breastfeeding women work . Since the babies of breastfeeding women do not get sick as often , they leave their workplaces less .​
• Breastfeeding also protects the environment because breastfeeding means using less plastic that could otherwise remain in nature .

Do I Have to Wait After Birth to Start Breastfeeding ?

The mother, whether she had a normal birth or a cesarean section , should have physical contact with her baby and breastfeed her baby as soon as possible after birth . The more frequently she breastfeeds , the easier it will be for the milk to come . Breastfeeding late will delay the milk to come. In order for the mother to produce enough milk, the baby needs to breastfeed frequently and correctly . The health personnel will support you in this regard .

Is It Possible to Breastfeed After Cesarean Birth ?

It doesn't matter whether it's a cesarean or a normal birth , it's possible to breastfeed your baby . In a cesarean birth , breastfeeding may start a little later , but this is n't a delay that will cause a problem . You can get support from the healthcare professionals at the institution where you gave birth .

How Often Should I Breastfeed My Baby ?

The frequency of breastfeeding varies from baby to baby . A baby should be breastfed whenever it wants . A baby shows its hunger by opening its mouth, searching for it, and eventually crying . Frequent breastfeeding in the early days speeds up the production of “ mature ” milk , which is more watery and abundant . Some babies sleep a lot when they are newborn and cannot breastfeed enough . If such babies have not woken up after 3-4 hours in the early days , they should be given to their mothers, and if necessary , they should be warned to take the breast by stroking their cheeks and woken up .

In the first weeks, breastfeeding intervals may be very short , such as one or two hours .

In the first months, when the baby wakes up , he/she is usually hungry and wants to be breastfed. Since the amount of milk produced in the breast will increase a little more after each breastfeeding , the feeding intervals will lengthen over time .

How Does a Baby Suck ?

• In order for the baby to open his mouth wide , the mother should touch the nipple to the baby 's upper and lower lips .
• When the baby is brought closer to the breast , the mouth should be as open as possible and the chin should rest on the breast .
• In order for the baby to suckle well, he must grasp not only the nipple but also the brown area around it with his mouth .
• If the baby has grasped the breast correctly , its jaw and sometimes its ears can be seen moving during each sucking process .
• The baby does not suckle continuously. There are short rest intervals after strong sucking movements .
• If the baby is positioned correctly at the breast, the mother 's breasts will relax at the end of breastfeeding, the baby will let go of the breast on his own , and breastfeeding is comfortable and easy for the mother .
• A smacking sound or cheeks being pulled in while breastfeeding usually indicates that the baby is only breastfeeding the nipple and is not adequately latching onto the breast tissue with his or her mouth .
• If the baby is not positioned correctly at the breast, he or she cannot suckle well and the mother's nipples may become damaged and painful .

How Should Your Nutrition Be While Breastfeeding ?

• The mother needs an additional 500 calories for milk production . Follow an adequate and balanced diet that includes plenty of seasonal fresh vegetables and fruits to meet this .
• Plan your daily nutrition program as 3 main meals and 3 snacks .
• Provide variety in your diet by consuming from each food group at every meal .
• It is sufficient for a breastfeeding mother to drink as much fluid as she needs . During this period , drinking 1-2 glasses of water during or immediately after breastfeeding will increase milk production ( drinking 1-2 liters of water at a time will not increase milk production ) .
• Consume appropriate liquid foods : clean drinking water, freshly squeezed fruit juices , milk , fermented milk products (yoghurt - buttermilk, kefir , etc. ) .
• Wash vegetables and fruits very well before consuming them . Do not consume vegetables and fruits out of season .
• Do not throw away the boiling water of vegetables, pasta and legumes .
• Do not consume undercooked meat , milk and eggs .
• Consume olive oil or other liquid oils in your meals and salads .​​​​
• If you do not have a health problem that requires salt restriction , use iodized salt . Add salt to your meals after they are cooked. Store iodized salt in a closed container or in a closed cupboard away from light .
• Do not consume ready - made foods and drinks (ready-made soups , fizzy drinks , ready-made fruit juices , powdered drinks, meat/chicken broth tablets, sausage, salami, sausages, etc.).
• Use cola drinks , sodas, tea and coffee , energy drinks (additives and caffeine content ) , diet drinks (artificial sweeteners ) in limited amounts or do not use them . Drink tea 1 hour after meals . You can have 1 cup of coffee, instant coffee , etc. per day .
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol . Do not be in environments where smoking takes place . Also , for the health of the baby , smoking should never be allowed in the house where the baby is located.

How Can My Partner Help Me Breastfeed ?​

Babies need a lot of physical touch . After breastfeeding your baby, the loving arms of your father are one of the best places for your baby. After breastfeeding, put your baby on your wife's chest so that both of them can experience the father - child relationship . The support your father gives to your mother in breastfeeding is the greatest support for you to be successful in breastfeeding. Especially in the first weeks after birth , when you feel weak due to changing hormones and lack of sleep , having your wife by your side and helping you breastfeed your baby will have a positive effect on the entire family relationship .

How Should I Burp My Baby After Breastfeeding ?​​​​​​

After feeding, holding the baby upright for 10-15 minutes will help with burping . If the baby is asleep and comfortable at the breast, there is no need to burp . If the baby is restless, burping can be helped by holding the baby upright in your lap and stroking their back .

Until when should a baby be breastfed?

You should feed your baby only breast milk for the first 6 months. During these 6 months, your baby does not even need water. After this period, it is ideal to continue breastfeeding with supplements until the age of 2 and beyond . Switching to supplements does not eliminate your baby 's need for breast milk .

Can a Pacifier Be Given to a Baby ?

It is not recommended to give pacifiers or bottles to babies who are breastfed. Sometimes mothers give their babies water or other nutrients in addition to breastfeeding, or use pacifiers to distract them from crying . However , babies who are bottle-fed or pacifier-fed experience a condition called “nipple addiction ” and these babies may stop breastfeeding . Because there are differences in sucking style between breastfeeding and bottle - fed or pacifier-fed babies. For this reason, bottle - fed or pacifiers are not recommended.

Can I Get Pregnant If I Breastfeed My Baby ?​

Yes, you can get pregnant. Breastfeeding is not a birth control method . If you do not want to get pregnant , consult your family doctor/physician for a suitable birth control method .

Is Special Care Necessary for Breasts While Breastfeeding ?

There is no need to clean the breasts before each feeding. Germs are transmitted to the baby from hands .

The important thing is to “ WASH YOUR HANDS ” .

An oily substance is secreted from the skin around the nipple . This natural substance protects the breastfeeding mother's nipple from cracks. Therefore, there is no need to apply carbonated water, soapy water or cream to the nipple to protect it from cracks or to clean it. In fact, this natural oily substance will be erased while applying these and cracks will form more easily on the nipple . A cotton bra of the appropriate size should be used during breastfeeding .

Does Nipple Shape Affect My Breastfeeding?

It is not a problem for breastfeeding if the tip of the breast is missing , if the tip is sunken in, or if the tip is large . The baby already sucks the milk by taking not only the tip of the breast but also a large part of the brown area around the tip. In other words, it takes a large part of the breast tissue into its mouth .

Can I Breastfeed My Baby When I Return to Work ?

Of course, it is possible to breastfeed when returning to work. In addition to breastfeeding the baby at home in the morning and evening , milk can be stored by expressing it in the morning, afternoon and during breaks at work , and this expressed milk can be given to the baby with a spoon or cup by the person looking after the baby at home. In this way, the continuity of the mother 's milk will be ensured . Milk production in the mother 's breast will continue with the milk expressed at work during the day .

My Baby Refuses to Breastfeed, What Should I Do?

The baby 's refusal to breastfeed can take various forms . It can be observed as not sucking at all, sucking weakly, crying while trying to suckle and fighting the breast ( suckling for a short time and then letting go of the breast as if suffocating or crying ) , sucking on one breast and not wanting the other .

Reasons for breast refusal and possible solutions:

• Babies take the breast when they are sick, but suck weakly. Mothers may also think this is rejection. If the baby is sick, milk can be expressed and given . When giving milk to the baby, care should be taken to ensure that the environment is calm and that the baby 's attention is not distracted .
• If the baby has thrush in his mouth , if he is teething or if his nose is blocked , the baby may refuse to breastfeed . In this case , you should be patient and the problem should be eliminated .
• Some medications given to the mother at birth or for psychological treatment may also cause the baby to refuse the breast. In this case , support should be obtained from health professionals .
• Reasons such as using a pacifier, bottle feeding, holding the breast in a bad position, engorged breast, inadequate support for the baby, the mother holding the breast incorrectly, restricting breastfeeding , and excessive milk accumulation may cause the baby to refuse the breast . In order to prevent the baby from refusing the breast, the baby's head should not be pressed while breastfeeding , if necessary , milk should be given in a glass or spoon , and the use of bottles and pacifiers should be avoided . Skin-to-skin contact should be provided between the mother and the baby , the mother should hug and caress the baby frequently , and the baby should be breastfed whenever it wants .
• Changes that upset the baby : separation from the mother , the mother starting work , a new caregiver , changing caregivers too often , changes in family order , illness or mastitis in the mother , the mother menstruating , changes in the mother's odor . The mother should take some time off if necessary , used scents should be abandoned , importance should be given to personal hygiene , if the mother has an illness , it should be treated and breastfeeding should be continued correctly .
• Mothers may think that their baby's breast-searching movements, the baby's distraction while breastfeeding, and sudden looking away are the baby's refusal to breastfeed. This situation is called false refusal . To prevent false refusal , the baby should be waited to latch on , breastfeeding should be tried in different positions , and if necessary , the milk should be expressed into the baby 's mouth .
• The smell of some foods eaten by the mother may pass into the milk. Care should be taken not to consume foods such as cola, tea, or coffee that may make the baby restless .
• Sometimes the baby may refuse only one breast. This may be due to the reasons listed above being seen more in one breast.

Can I Breastfeed If My Baby Is Sick ?

Breastfeeding should continue even when babies are sick. They should even be breastfed more frequently than usual . The baby's appetite may have decreased and they may be restless due to the illness. Breastfeeding will also calm them down . It should not be forgotten that breastfeeding is not just a form of nutrition , it provides emotional bonding and a bond of love between mother and baby , and that this is very good for both mother and baby . Breastfeeding during illnesses such as diarrhea causes the illness to recover more quickly .

Can I Breastfeed My Baby When I 'm Sick ?

If the mother has a psychiatric illness that requires medication or a cancer that requires chemotherapy, she should not breastfeed. Apart from this , even if the mother has diabetes , high blood pressure , diarrhea, cold , etc., she can breastfeed . If you need to use medication, remind your doctor that you are breastfeeding .

I Have Hard Swellings , Severe Pain and Feeling of Heat in My Breast , What Should I Do ?

Hard swellings, pain and warmth in your breast is a condition called Mastitis ( abscess ) . Mastitis is a condition that can occur as a result of breastfeeding the baby in the wrong position , nipple cracks , wearing tight clothing or bras , and applying too much pressure to the milk ducts with fingers during breastfeeding .

In case of mastitis ( abscess), a health professional should definitely be consulted . Health professionals will give you the most accurate information about the causes of mastitis and its treatment . You can still breastfeed your baby in case of mastitis .

In case of mastitis, milk flow should not be interrupted and mastitis must be treated. Afterwards; frequent breastfeeding , light massage towards the nipple , warm wet dressing with a clean towel , starting breastfeeding from the healthy side and changing position should be applied . Rest and avoiding stress should be provided .

If breastfeeding is painful , milk can be expressed for a certain period of time , but breastfeeding should be resumed as soon as possible.

My Baby is Natural . It 's Been A Few Days And My Breasts Are Shiny And Very Painful As If They Are Edema . It's Become Difficult For Me To Breastfeed . What Should I Do ?

Breasts in this situation are defined as “clogged breasts ” . It is a condition that generally occurs as a result of not breastfeeding enough in the first days after birth , starting breastfeeding late , giving supplementary food, poor attachment to the breast , infrequent expressing of milk or shortening of the breastfeeding period .

As a precaution, breastfeeding should be started immediately after birth , the baby should be well attached to the breast , the baby should be breastfed whenever desired , and breastfeeding should not be attempted at certain time intervals .

To solve the problem of “breast congestion”, the baby should be breastfed frequently in the correct position . Before breastfeeding, to facilitate breastfeeding , warm wet dressing , warm shower , shoulder and back massage , light massage of the breasts, light stimulation of the nipple skin should be applied and procedures that will relax and comfort the mother should be applied . After breastfeeding, a cold wet dressing should be applied to your breast with a towel to prevent edema . If the baby cannot breastfeed, the milk should be expressed by hand or with a pump .

Can I Breastfeed My Adopted Child ?

Since breast milk is actually secreted from the brain , an adopted child can be breastfed even by a woman who has not given birth . Frequent holding on to the breast , providing physical contact, and sometimes medication support this. You can get support from relaxation clinics in this regard. You can apply to the Provincial Health Directorate to learn about the relaxation clinics in your province .

If My Baby Is Born Disabled, Can I Breastfeed?

If your baby is born with Down Syndrome, cleft lip or cleft palate , or heart problems , it means that he/she needs breast milk more under all circumstances. The hormones in breast milk will make you and your baby more comfortable . Since breast milk is easy to digest, it will play a more positive role in babies with heart problems or who have difficulty gaining weight . It will help eliminate the risk of respiratory tract infections or constipation problems in babies with Down Syndrome .

Whenever possible, get support from successful breastfeeding mothers in your area , your family doctor, healthcare professionals , mother support groups and your family .

If it is not possible to breastfeed despite everything , try to express your milk as much as possible and give your milk to your baby . Remember that your milk is the best food for your baby .

Where Can I Get Help If I Have Problems With Breastfeeding ?

When mothers have any questions or problems regarding breast milk and breastfeeding , they can apply to pregnancy information classes near them , relevant polyclinics of hospitals or their family doctor, starting from the pregnancy period .