What can you expect when breastfeeding?

Veröffentlicht am: August 01, 2024
Irina  Fink
Irina Fink

Naturopath

Breast milk contains exactly the right nutrients in the optimal amount that an infant needs. Scientific research confirms that breast milk is not just a food, but also has many medicinal properties that play an important role in the survival and health of newborns.

Food manufacturers continue to try to enrich infant milk with fatty acids, oligosaccharides, nucleotides and lactoferrin to mimic breast milk as closely as possible. However, breast milk is and remains unique and offers far-reaching benefits for the infant's immune defense and ensures optimal development. Breast milk contains many hundreds to thousands of different bioactive molecules that protect against infection and inflammation and contribute to immune maturation, organ development and the promotion of a healthy microbiome. For this reason, new mothers are always encouraged and should be given the necessary support to breastfeed their babies for six months or longer to promote optimal health.

Contents

9 frequently asked questions about breast milk

1. how long should I breastfeed?

According to research published in Pediatric Clinics in North America, breast milk is considered the best nutrition for infants during the first six months of life. Breastfeeding should be continued for one to two years or longer

Another study in the journal "American Academy of Neurology" found that women who breastfed for longer (at least 15 months) had a lower risk of multiple sclerosis (MS).

2. what should I eat to improve the nutritional composition of my breast milk?

Studies have shown that the composition or content of fatty acids in breast milk changes with a woman's individual diet, especially if she consumes too many omega-6 fatty acids and too few omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, consume plenty of omega-3-containing foods, such as chia seeds, linseed, walnuts, wild salmon, tuna and egg yolk. Ensure a healthy ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids by eating less meat, dairy products, peanut oil, soybean oil, safflower oil and sesame oil.

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3. Do breastfed babies need extra vitamins?

Newborns normally receive vitamin K in their first days of life. Other vitamin deficiencies (with the exception of vitamin D) are rather rare, especially if the mother has a normal diet. Researchers recommend that all new mothers continue to take multivitamin supplements while breastfeeding. The content of vitamins and minerals varies depending on the woman's diet and how well her body stores are filled.

Breast milk contains very little vitamin D, especially if breastfeeding women get little direct sunlight. For this reason, pediatricians recommend administering a liquid vitamin D supplement to prevent vitamin D deficiency in the child. These preparations usually contain high amounts of the water- and fat-soluble vitamin so that the baby's daily requirement is sufficiently covered.

Magnesium also has a positive effect on the development of children. Pregnant women need more magnesium, especially during pregnancy.

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4. How do I store breast milk correctly?

Many women pump their milk as soon as they return to work and then only breastfeed at night and at weekends. Some women also decide to feed only expressed breast milk. They then store this in the fridge.

Expressed milk varies in color, consistency and smell depending on the woman's diet. You may have noticed that different layers form after a while. The cream forms the top layer. Before you feed stored milk to your baby, warm it gently and move it back and forth in the bottle so that the layers combine again. However, do not shake the bottle.

Smaller quantities of chilled breast milk can be filled in the same container throughout the day. However, you should not mix warm breast milk with chilled breast milk. If you want to freeze breast milk, it is very important that you do not fill the bags or bottles to the brim. This is because liquids expand when they are frozen. Label the bags with the current date and always use the oldest milk.

5. How long can I store breast milk?

Breast milk can be stored in the following ways without endangering your baby's health:

  • at room temperature: four to six hours (18 to 25 °C)
  • in a cool bag with frozen ice packs: 24 hours (15 °C)
  • in the refrigerator: three to six days (4 °C or less)
  • In the freezer: six to twelve months (-18 to -20 °C)

These options do not lead to an increased risk of bacterial contamination or increased growth of pathogens. However, the nutritional content changes.

Research published in the journal "Archives of Disease in Childhood Fetal and Neonatal Edition" suggests that breast milk should not be stored for longer than 48 hours to preserve antioxidant activity. Freezing breast milk led to a greater decrease in antioxidants than storing it in the refrigerator.

Spanish scientists examined chilled and frozen breast milk over a period of 90 days. They found that the fat concentration and energy content of breast milk that had been kept frozen for three months decreased significantly and to a relevant extent. The changes in the nitrogen and lactose content were not constant and were less pronounced. Based on these research results, it is recommended to use frozen breast milk only in an emergency or in addition to solid food so that your baby's nutritional supply is ensured. Once you start introducing solid foods at around six months of age, you can mix frozen breast milk into fruit or vegetable porridge, for example.

6. does breast milk lose nutrients if it is stored for a long time?

According to research published in the International Breastfeeding Journal, breast pumps lead to a significant drop in the vitamin C content of expressed milk to below 40 percent of a baby's recommended daily requirement. For their study, scientists examined the milk from four different breast pumps 20 minutes after pumping.

Further study results were published by scientists in the "Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition". These show that the total number of antioxidants in expressed breast milk differs considerably after freezing or storage in the refrigerator compared to fresh breast milk. This applies, for example, to the vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E content.

7. How do I heat breast milk correctly or how do I thaw it?

Never heat breast milk in the microwave. The rays change the composition of the milk. There is also a high risk of burning your baby. This is because so-called hot spots form when milk is heated in the microwave. This means that certain areas are heated significantly more than others.

Defrosted milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours. However, do not refreeze it after defrosting. If you need to defrost frozen breast milk quickly, hold it under warm running water or place the bag in a sealed container of warm water. After about 20 minutes, the milk should be at room temperature.

You can simply warm milk from the fridge at room temperature (three to six hours) or in a bowl of warm water.

8. does alcohol pass into breast milk?

Most women can consume small amounts of alcohol and still breastfeed safely. According to the La Leche League, it takes the body of a 54 kg woman about three hours to break down most of the alcohol in her blood (and breast milk) from a glass of beer or wine. However, you should wait the specified number of hours before breastfeeding so that no residual alcohol passes into the breast milk.

9. does caffeine pass into breast milk?

According to study results from 2012 in the journal "Pediatrics", caffeine consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding has no effect on the sleep of three-month-old babies. The study showed that babies up to this age were unable to metabolize caffeine - at least as long as their mothers did not drink more than three cups of coffee a day.  

However, other studies have shown that some babies are sensitive to caffeine. They were more irritable and suffered from sleep disorders when they were given breast milk containing caffeine.

We therefore recommend drinking caffeine only in moderation or not at all while breastfeeding. Also pay attention to your fluid intake and drink plenty of water. This will help you avoid a caffeine overdose.

How can I increase the amount of breast milk?

Many mothers are afraid that they will not produce enough breast milk for their baby and are therefore looking for natural ways to increase their milk supply.

First of all, you should identify and eliminate possible causes that could be responsible for the insufficient amount of milk. Sometimes this is enough. The second step is to take measures to naturally increase the amount of milk.

The golden rule of breastfeeding is that breastfeeding is a process driven by supply and demand. If you give your baby additional formula milk, you will never produce enough breast milk. This is because your body will not know that more milk is needed. In addition, a fixed schedule can disrupt this process so that you do not produce enough milk as a result. Therefore, try to breastfeed your baby when he or she is hungry.

Very young newborns should be breastfed approximately every two hours during the day and every four hours at night. Always breastfeed your baby on both breasts. Regular feeds ensure that your breasts are sufficiently stimulated. This is the best way to ensure a full supply. The more milk your baby drinks, the more milk your body produces. Supply problems can also be caused by your baby not latching on properly. (This can be caused by sleepiness, the use of baby bottles or breastfeeding shields). In such a case, seek advice from a lactation consultant or your midwife.

You can increase the amount of milk by pumping after breastfeeding, especially if your baby only feeds irregularly at the breast. If you are working and want to express milk for your baby, we recommend that you do this two to three times a day. This should allow you to express enough milk for the following day, which your baby can then drink at the childminder's or babysitter's.

Galactagoga (e.g. fenugreek, milk thistle and alfalfa) can be used to increase breast milk production.

The myth that alcohol consumption stimulates milk production has persisted for centuries. However, studies show that this claim is not true. In fact, a study by the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia suggests that infants drank an average of 23 percent less milk after their mothers consumed alcoholic beer (compared to women who were given non-alcoholic beer). This decrease in milk intake was not due to fewer breastfeeds, but to the fact that the babies drank less milk at each meal.

Finally, you should also take care of yourself and your needs. Young mothers need healthy and nutritious food in order to produce enough breast milk. You also need to drink enough fluids, relax and rest (whenever possible). Take some time for yourself every day. Trust your body and its ability to provide your baby with exactly the nutrients it needs for healthy development.

Ten useful tips to increase the amount of milk

1. skin contact

Remove your baby's top and take off your shirt. Place your baby on your breast. This will help you bond with your baby and encourage milk production.

2. breastfeed, breastfeed, breastfeed

Breastfeeding stimulates milk production. Switch sides regularly and also pump after breastfeeding.

3. wear a bra

Buy a good nursing bra. It's as simple as that. It should not have underwires that constrict the breast. Sports bras are okay during pregnancy, but are not suitable for breastfeeding. They restrict the flow of milk. Ask your lingerie store for advice.

4. check that your baby is correctly positioned

Check whether you are breastfeeding your baby correctly. If you are unsure, consult a breastfeeding consultant or your midwife.

5. iron

Good iron levels are essential - for your own health and that of your baby. In Chinese medicine, the principle is that strong blood goes hand in hand with good milk production. You can tell whether you are suffering from anemia by the following symptoms: you quickly become very tired, you freeze easily, you suffer from shortness of breath, you are pale in the face. Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, beet, red dates, molasses, beans, lentils, superfood powder, prunes or - if you eat meat - pasture-raised meat. In addition, take a good iron supplement that does not burden the intestines (if necessary).

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6. drink three liters of filtered water daily

Breast milk consists of 88 percent water! So drink plenty of water. Always have a full bottle with you. You should also drink a glass of water at night after every breastfeed so that you have enough milk in the morning.

7. good nutrition

Breastfeeding mothers have an increased calorie requirement of 500 kcal. 500 kcal full of nutrients, mind you. Breast milk contains plenty of fats, so you need them too. A spoonful of almond butter, walnuts in your salad, an avocado with olive oil or plenty of coconut oil with everything. You need all these good fats now.

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8. eat porridge

Oats have a high nutrient content and are ideal for increasing the amount of milk. Enrich your porridge with extra protein and fat by sprinkling chopped nuts on top. Or eat your porridge with molasses, goji berries and almond milk.

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9. herbal medicine

Fenugreek and milk thistle are traditionally used to increase milk production. Both are so-called galactagogues, i.e. they increase the flow of milk. Fenugreek also has a high nutrient content and is used for convalescence.

These medicinal plants also stimulate milk production:

  • Stinging nettle
  • Raspberry leaves
  • Fennel
  • Alfalfa
  • Spirulina
  • Honeysuckle

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10. rest, rest and more rest

If you are one of the many women who go back to work when their baby is just a few months old, you are denying yourself the rest you need. If you don't have to return to work yet, hold off. If this is not an option, get as much support as possible. This is the only way you can recover when you are not at work. Ask family and friends to help you clean or cook. Hire domestic help - at least for a few months. Keep the weekends free. Just rest on these days and strengthen your relationship with your baby with direct skin-to-skin contact.

Nutrition with breast milk

The first fluid that a woman produces immediately after giving birth is called colostrum. Colostrum is one of the most important components of breast milk and is often referred to as "liquid gold". It is a thicker, yellowish breast milk that is produced in the weeks shortly before delivery. Colostrum contains plenty of nutrients and antibodies. This gives your baby exactly what it needs in its first days of life. After about three days, the body begins to produce mature breast milk, which contains the ideal amount of protein, sugar, water and fat.

Mature breast milk contains an average of:

  • 1.1 percent protein
  • 4.2 percent fat
  • 7 percent carbohydrates

It provides 72 kcal of energy per 100 grams. Fat is the most variable macronutrient contained in milk. Aftermilk is the milk that flows out of the breast last during a breastfeeding session. It contains two to three times as much fat as the foremilk, which is drunk first. For this reason, babies should always empty one breast completely before latching on to the other. Because of its higher fat content, hindmilk contains more energy. If your baby drinks this milk, it will stay full for much longer and meet its energy requirements for healthy growth.

Antibodies are also an important component. Antibodies protect your fragile baby from both viral and bacterial infections. According to a study published in 2002 in the journal "Breastfeeding Review", commercial infant formula is inferior to breastfeeding. Breast milk is best able to strengthen the infant's immature immune system and its defense mechanisms against infectious and other foreign substances. The researchers referred to bioactive factors in breast milk such as hormones, growth factors and colony-stimulating factors as well as specific nutrients. Breast milk can reduce the incidence of diseases in infancy. Certain factors in breast milk promote the maturation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, reduce the frequency of infections, change the intestinal flora and have immune-strengthening and anti-inflammatory functions.

Breast milk has antioxidant properties. It contains vitamins C and E as well as enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Scientific research suggests that all factors, conditions and diseases that affect infants, especially premature births, are the result of a single disease - oxygen radical disease.

If too many free radicals and too few antioxidants are produced, oxidative stress occurs, which can cause serious damage in infants. It is essential that this oxidative stress is reduced and the antioxidant defenses of these vulnerable infants are strengthened.

However, breastfeeding also offers benefits for the mother. A 30-year study published in 2018 found that breastfeeding for at least six months can reduce the risk of diabetes in women. The 30-year study included 1,238 women aged 18 to 30 years without diabetes who had given birth to at least one child alive after 1985/1986. The participants provided information on the duration of breastfeeding. The results of the study show that women who breastfed for six to twelve months or longer had only half the risk of diabetes compared to women who did not breastfeed at all. However, the study also makes it clear that further research is needed in order to be able to make well-founded statements about this connection.

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Concluding remarks on breast milk

  • Breast milk contains exactly the right nutrients in the optimum amount that an infant needs.
  • Colostrum contains plenty of nutrients and antibodies. This gives your baby exactly what it needs in its first days of life. After about three days, the body begins to produce mature breast milk, which contains the ideal amount of protein, sugar, water and fat.
  • Antibodies are also an important component. Antibodies protect your sensitive baby from both viral and bacterial infections.
  • Breast milk has antioxidant properties. It contains vitamins C and E as well as enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase.
  • There are numerous ways for women to increase their milk supply naturally. However, the golden rule is that breastfeeding is a process based on supply and demand.
  • Women should follow a few rules when expressing and storing expressed milk to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and maximize the nutritional content of breast milk.

 

Sources (in English):

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