Breastfeeding is the best way of communication for the baby to establish a loving bond with his mother. Breast milk protects the baby from diseases such as diarrhea and respiratory tract infections, and has an important role in the development of the jaw and teeth. Breastfed children are more resistant to diseases such as asthma, allergies, and pediatric diabetes. Since there is enough iron in breast milk, anemia is not seen in breastfed babies. In addition, breastfed babies are less likely to experience diaper rash, abdominal pain and constipation. It helps the baby's mental, physical and mental development.

How to feed the baby with breast milk: From the first hours, the baby's willingness, under appropriate conditions and with the right technique, is the most important condition for the baby to be fed with breast milk. The hormones oxytocin and prolactin secreted during breastfeeding ensure the discharge of milk in the breast and stimulate the production of new milk.

How a successful breastfeeding should be: First of all, correct embrace and positioning are necessary for a successful breastfeeding. The mother should normally sit in a comfortable chair with her back straight. The baby should be embraced by the mother in a way that her face and body are in the same direction and facing the mother, her head is higher than the body, that is, forming a curved line. The baby's head should be positioned just in front of the elbow crease, with the mother's arm on the side of the breast-fed breast bent at the elbow. The baby's lower arm should not come between the mother and the baby. The baby's head should not be pressed from behind. The bottom of the mother's arm can be supported with a pillow if necessary. After the baby is properly positioned and taken to the lap, the baby should be brought closer to the breast from the bottom up, with the lower lip under the nipple, while the four fingers of the other hand support the breast from below, the thumb should guide the breast at the top. The mother should touch the nipple to the baby's lips and open her mouth for sucking, when the baby opens her mouth wide, the nipple and the brown part around it (areola) should be given to the baby's mouth together. The baby's chin should rest on the breast, the top thumb should prevent the nose from being blocked.

I wonder if my milk is sufficient: It is understood that the baby is fed adequately by urinating at least five times a day, wetting the diaper, reaching birth weight by the 15th day at the latest, and gaining at least 500-600 grams per month. The reason for the loss of natural weight in babies in the first days is the decrease in the proportion of water in the body and the displacement of water; should not be attributed to breast milk insufficiency. The number of defecations, the baby's restlessness, sleep disturbance or excessive crying are not reliable criteria for the amount of breast milk. Similar complaints can be seen in babies who weigh very well. Only the fact that the diaper is always dry and a small amount of poop in small and hard pieces such as sheep droppings can be a sign of hunger. Apart from these, the most important criterion is that the baby does not gain enough weight.

Foods that Increase Breast Milk: Consuming at least 10-12 glasses of water every day ensures an increase in breast milk. In scientific studies, it is seen that some foods and plants increase breast milk in particular. One of them is fennel. Fennel; It is a herbaceous plant and increases breast milk. Nettle, basil and rosemary are other herbs that increase breast milk.

Problems seen in babies who do not receive breast milk: Since the digestive system contains protective substances against infections, babies who do not receive breast milk often get infections.
The risk of otitis media is higher than that of breastfed babies.
-The risk of developing some chronic diseases is higher in babies who do not receive breast milk (such as Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Disease, Obesity, Coronary Heart Diseases)
- When breast milk, which helps the baby's spiritual, physical and mental development, is not taken, problems such as attention deficit syndrome and apathy may be encountered.
Babies who are not breastfed cry more often.