Breastfeeding or lactation refers to the first period of a baby’s life when he or she is nourished by breast milk. Breast milk represents the only source of nutrients in the first months of life, and later the main source. In addition, breastfeeding is crucial for the mother-child bond.
What is breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding or lactation refers to the first period of a baby’s life when he or she is nourished by breast milk. The breastfeeding period refers to the time when the baby is breastfed. It begins immediately after birth and ends when the baby is weaned and completely switched to other foods. Breastfeeding is a crucial element of the mother-child bond in the first days of life and is also the newborn’s only source of nutrients. Breast milk contains everything the infant needs in the first months. From around the 4th month, the baby may be given complementary foods as needed, but breastfeeding does not end there. Some mothers stop breastfeeding after the 6th month because their babies are no longer satisfied by breast milk or they no longer want to breastfeed, others extend the breastfeeding period to 2 or even 3 years. Breastfeeding is never solely about nutrient intake, but always about the time mother and baby spend together. Close physical contact with the mother during the breastfeeding period gives the baby security and trust, and the mother can become emotionally attached to her baby. If the baby is bottle-fed, on the other hand, it is no longer referred to as breastfeeding time, as this only refers to actual breastfeeding.
Function and task
The main purpose of breastfeeding is to provide the baby with all the nutrients and defenses it needs. In breast milk there are not only nutrients, but also immune substances that bottle feeding cannot replace. That is why it is recommended to take breastfeeding seriously, at least immediately after birth. Especially the first breast milk contains very important immune cells for the baby, which give him valuable protection against diseases directly after birth. Even mothers who only want a very short breastfeeding period are therefore recommended to give the newborn the first breast milk during the first days of life before switching to the bottle. Most babies are sufficiently satiated by their mother’s milk, so that at least no complementary food is required for the first few months. Some mothers supplement breastfeeding for satiety and supply, as well as for their own relief, with bottle feedings or complementary foods from a jar when the baby is so developed. Around 6 months of breastfeeding, the baby may no longer be full from breast milk alone and may need more nutrient-dense complementary foods. In addition to the pure intake of nutrients, the breastfeeding period serves the bonding, i.e. the development of a bond between mother and child. Especially the first latch-on, which marks the beginning of the breastfeeding period, is a significant event for both. Frequent breastfeeding in the first few months and the physical closeness that comes with it mean that mother and baby inevitably spend a lot of time together, but this also intensifies the bond between them as if by itself. The baby gets the closeness it needs to build trust with the mother, and the mother strengthens her maternal feelings for her child.
Diseases and ailments
Breastfeeding is not always completely free of complications. First-time mothers often find it difficult to put the baby to the breast for the first time, as they have to find the right breastfeeding position and the baby also has to get used to the breast. However, these difficulties can usually be solved with the help of an experienced midwife in the hospital. During the breastfeeding period, the baby may not latch on well for a variety of reasons. Some babies react this way when they have a cold, others when they are very tired. Breastfeeding babies need to be put on every 2 hours or so, which can of course be very exhausting for the mother at night. If the baby swallows too much air, it can develop painful colic; these are called 3-month colics and are a problem especially in the first months of life. For the baby they are usually harmless and can be treated well, but are very painful which is why babies cry a lot. Since the nipples are under a lot of strain during breastfeeding, they can sometimes react irritably. Redness or even inflammation of the nipples is unpleasant for the mother, but it is also normal during breastfeeding.Attachments for the baby facilitate breastfeeding for both, and there are also creams suitable for treatment. To avoid milk engorgement, the mother should always breastfeed with both breasts and ensure that they are empty when the baby has finished nursing. Milk engorgement can sometimes occur, especially in the early stages of breastfeeding, and is painful for the mother but usually easy to treat. If it does not dissolve, however, it can lead to a serious inflammation, so the doctor must be consulted in any case. A valuable helper in the breastfeeding period for this is the breast pump to empty the breast completely or to store milk for a short time. During breastfeeding, any food passes into the mother’s blood, so she should pump milk before drinking alcohol, for example, as breastfeeding should not be done after a night of partying.
