Breast milk reduces the risk of infection

A strong immune system means living a healthy life. Good nutrition is crucial for a strong immune system. Noting that breast milk reduces the risk of infection, experts draw attention to the importance of proper nutrition in childhood. It is recommended that babies are exclusively breastfed for the first six months and begin complementary feeding after six months. Pediatrics and Children’s Diseases Dr. Şule Sayıner Şimşek talked about what should be considered when feeding babies. Şimşek stated that proper nutrition in childhood consists of breast milk alone for the first six months and breastfeeding that can be continued for up to two years with safe supplementary nutrition after six months. growth and development.” Breastfeeding success should be increased Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Şule Sayıner Şimşek explained that breast milk reduces the risk of diarrhea and acute respiratory infections. He stated that severe colds and ear, nose and throat infections 63 percent less common in babies who are exclusively breastfed for six months.

Pointing out the importance of increasing breastfeeding success, Şimşek continued: “For breastfeeding to succeed, immediate skin contact between the mother and baby must be ensured, postnatal routine interventions must be postponed, and breastfeeding must be given priority. Breastfeeding 8-12 times in the first 24 hours should be technically correct. If there is no medical need, supplements such as water, sugar water and formula should not be given. The mother should also receive advice about the use of vitamin D, eating well and drinking enough. The breastfeeding process should be observed and any issues discussed within 48-72 hours of hospital discharge. When to Start Supplemental Nutrition Pediatric Health and Disease Specialist Dr. Şule Sayıner Şimşek stated that it is desirable for the baby to be fed only with breast milk for the first 6 months. Şimşek stated that complementary feeding should not be started before 17 weeks in babies fed only with breast milk, and stressed that the process of starting complementary feeding should not be later than 26 weeks. Şimşek made suggestions for situations where breast milk is not enough and said: “Formula milk is preferable instead of starting solid food very early. If breast milk is insufficient in babies older than six months, they should be supported with follow-on milk rather than giving more complementary foods or different milk than necessary. How much extra food should babies be given?Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Şule Sayıner Şimşek provided information on the amount of food consumed in infants switched to complementary foods. Şimşek stated that the stomach capacity of a newborn baby is only 2 tablespoons and shared the information that “babies’ stomachs are 1 teacup in the sixth month and 1 glass of water when they are old”. Şimşek stated that the stomach volume in adults is generally accepted as 30 ml/kg, ie 2 tablespoons per kilogram. foods with a lot of energy, sufficient protein and micronutrients.

The fact that these foods are familiar foods that are easy to access and prepare is the foundation of a successful diet. 2 meals for a baby aged 6-8 months and 3 additional meals for a baby aged 9-11 months are sufficient. exp. Dr Şule Sayıner Şimşek listed the points to be considered when starting complementary feeding for babies as follows: “Complementary feeding should be started with a single type. Each new food should be added one at a time at least 2-3 days apart. Babies should not follow a strict vegetarian diet and no sugar and salt should be added to food. Ready-made soups, canned food, products with added sugar and salt, tea, cold cuts should not be included in the diet. Different flavors should be tried in childhood, especially the neutral flavors of vegetables should be used. A feeding model should be adopted that is sensitive to the baby’s signals of hunger and satiety, without forcing and attentive to the times and content of meals.