For most babies, breastfeeding is the healthiest and most beneficial form of feeding. A complex source of nutrients in the first years ‒ and especially in the first months ‒ of life, breast milk contributes to reducing the risk of health problems in both the newborn and the mother.

But just because it's a natural and normal process, doesn't mean it's a fad. Breastfeeding is, like any other activity, a skill that is learned and perfected over time. So, in addition to the benefits, we want to tell you as much as possible about how long breastfeeding should last, at what frequency, for what period, but also some practical recommendations that we hope will be useful to you.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

The benefits of breastfeeding, whether at the breast or with a bottle after expressing the milk with the help of a pump, are addressed to both the little one and the mother. Immunity and nutrition of the newborn, the bond between mother and baby, but also the reduction of the risk of certain diseases in the mother, are all affected by this natural activity. We will tell you more about the benefits of breastfeeding in the next section.

Benefits for the mother

The complexity and variety of benefits that breastfeeding brings are beyond compare. And we'll start with the benefits for the mother, which are based on oxytocin secretion, DNA cell shedding, and bonding with the newborn.

The benefits are not limited to just one aspect or a certain duration. There are both short-term and long-term benefits, both physically and emotionally. Let's take them one by one:

In the short term , both your physical health and postpartum recovery, as well as your relationship with your baby, benefit from the influence of breastfeeding:

• Decreases the risk of postpartum depression: due to the secretion of oxytocin during breastfeeding.
• You recover faster after birth: oxytocin also helps the uterus to contract, which helps to return to its pre-pregnancy shape faster and reduce vaginal bleeding.
• Develop a close connection with your baby: Physically and emotionally, a unique bond of trust is established between mother and baby, which helps you feel connected to your little one and learn their body language better.
• One downside: unlike powdered milk, breastfeeding is much more convenient and comfortable. You don't depend on equipment, location, or budget. You can breastfeed at any time without carrying formula, measuring it, preparing it, washing the bottle, etc. And it's not as expensive as store-bought milk either.
• Supports weight loss: Although it does not directly lead to weight loss for all new mothers, breastfeeding can represent an additional calorie burn, which can help with weight loss.

In the long term , a host of other benefits to a mother's health are due to breastfeeding, primarily by lowering the risk of:

• Breast, ovarian, endometrial or thyroid cancer
• Osteoporosis
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Increase in blood pressure
• Increased cholesterol

Benefits for the baby

The baby benefits the most from breastfeeding. Breast milk contains all the nutrients that the little one needs in the first months of life, that's why it is the only necessary source of food. Moreover, it contributes to the formation of a strong immune system, and decreases the risk of various ailments:

• Respiratory infections (respiratory syncytial virus, cough, pneumonia)
• Asthma
• Gastrointestinal infections (vomiting, diarrhea, necrotizing enterocolitis)
• Ear infections (acute otitis)
• Eczema
• Bacterial meningitis
• Obesity
• Celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome
• Development of caries and dental problems up to one year
• Leukemia in childhood
• Type 2 diabetes throughout life
• Infant mortality

In addition to the short- and long-term physical health benefits, and in addition to the optimal nerve development and harmonious weight gain it supports, breastfeeding also gives your little one the emotional comfort they need. Through skin-to-skin contact and being held, he feels securely close to his mother, thus feeding on both nutrients and affection.

What does breast milk contain?

• PROTEIN
• leukocyte
• IgA, IgM, IgG antibodies
• Lysozyme
• Lactoferrin
• LIPID
• Carbohydrates
• The bifid bacillus
• Vitamins
• Iron
• Calcium

You probably hear everywhere about how rich in vitamins and minerals breast milk is, and how it naturally contains the perfect doses of nutrients for healthy baby development. But what are these nutrients, anyway? If you were curious, look at the substances that make up its composition:

• Proteins : Nutrients such as lactoferrin and IgA support your baby's weight gain and protect against infections
• Leukocytes : are the white blood cells that protect the body and fight infections
• IgA, IgM and IgG antibodies : immunoglobulins that protect against respiratory and gastrointestinal infections
• Lysozyme : has anti-inflammatory properties and influences the bacterial environment in the internal tract
• Lactoferrin : contributes to the absorption of iron from milk
• Lipids : These are healthy fats that help your baby's nervous system and brain develop
• Carbohydrates : carbohydrates (ex: lactose) support the bacterial balance in the stomach
• Bifidus bacillus : contributes to the chemical processes that maintain a low stool pH
• Vitamins : support the growth of the little one and the formation of red cells, tissues and bones, strengthening the immune system and absorption of minerals.
• Iron : It is necessary for the production of hemoglobin and supports neurological development through the early years of childhood.

When does breastfeeding start?

In the best case, it is recommended that breastfeeding starts within the first hour after birth.

But there are also situations when this is not possible, for example when a health problem arises and the baby needs more investigations or specialized interventions. Regardless of the case, the breastfeeding strategy should always be discussed with the specialist doctor, who can offer the most suitable options and recommendations.

How often should the baby be breastfed?

Each baby has its own rhythm and needs to be fed, and you will learn to read these things from its body language. Cues like licking her lips, putting her fingers or fist in her mouth, or opening her mouth in search of the breast will become clear signs that it's time to nurse.

As indicative frequencies, theoretically feeding the baby should take place:

• Once every 1-3 hours during the first week
• Once every 3-4 hours starting from the second week
• At least 8 times in 24 hours, theoretically, in the first weeks of life

How long should breastfeeding sessions last?

Newborns generally need 10-20 minutes to feed (on one or both breasts). But each session can last longer, depending on the baby's rhythm, especially in the first days.

As you learn to hold him in the correct position, and as he himself gets used to feeding in this way, nursing sessions will become shorter, lasting somewhere between 5-10 minutes. Moreover, as he learns to breastfeed more effectively, he will need to breastfeed even less often.

Correct breastfeeding. Practical advice and recommendations

Even breastfeeding is a technique, and as you gain experience, you will get better at it. Although you can approach it in many ways, breastfeeding is done by following a few basic steps:

• Bring the baby close to you, mouth at breast level.
• Position the baby so that his lip touches the nipple, which will cause him to open his mouth.
• Make sure his head is positioned so that his nose is clear and his airway is not blocked by contact with your skin.
• Once the baby starts to feed, the chin should be pressed against the breast and the cheeks will have a rounded, full appearance.

Also, look at other practical tips and recommendations that can help you breastfeed properly:

• Try as much as possible to avoid mixed breastfeeding for the first 4-6 weeks (ie both breast and bottle).
• The baby does not need any other liquid to feed itself, breast milk contains everything necessary. You must not put water, tea or other liquids in the bottle.
• As a rule, it is not advisable to breastfeed for more than 30 minutes, especially after the first week has passed.
• Feed the baby on both breasts, starting with the last breast from the previous feeding session.
• Once you start replacing meals, don't stop breastfeeding suddenly, but make a gradual transition, introducing new meals gradually.
• If something doesn't feel right or feels difficult, it's normal and part of the process! Do not be discouraged, you can always ask for the advice or recommendations of the specialist doctor.

Breastfeeding positions

There are several positions in which you can breastfeed comfortably and safely, but we will tell you about 3 of the most used:

• The supine position

It is one of the easiest and most comfortable positions for both you and your baby. It involves sitting in a sitting position with your back resting on the bed or sofa, and your little one sitting with their tummy against you.

• Lateral decubitus position

Very similar to supine, only you are not propped up in a sitting position, but lying on your side. The baby sits next to you, also lying on the bed, while you just support him without supporting his full weight. It is a relaxing position that allows you to rest, which makes it ideal especially during the night.

• The swing position

It's the position we most often see when a mom is breastfeeding in public, and one that many moms choose for at home as well. It involves holding the baby in your arms, facing the breast, in almost the same position as the rocking

Diet and lifestyle of the mother during breastfeeding

Everything you eat and don't eat while breastfeeding can affect the quality of your breast milk. It is very important to pay attention to the diet, because everything you eat also reaches the baby during breastfeeding.

And if some foods are beneficial and recommended to produce milk as rich as possible in nutrients, others are prohibited because they can reach the baby directly and affect its health or development.

In fact, diet and lifestyle play an important role in all of the body's functions and the rate at which it recovers after birth, not just breastfeeding. Postpartum care is about much more than baby care and breastfeeding. It's the time when your body returns to its pre-pregnancy shape and when your hormone levels adjust, during which self-care should also take priority.

In addition to nutrition, hygiene, rest, physical activity, relationship with partner/family and emotional health play an equally important role. By taking good care of yourself, recovering as quickly as possible, you will be able to give the baby proper care as well. And we want you to know that we are by your side in this wonderful but challenging journey, and we have prepared an article dedicated to this topic that you can read on the blog. Here I told everything about postpartum care .

Foods that stimulate lactation

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Oatmeal
• Sesame seeds, flax
• Brown rice, chickpeas
• Protein sources: eggs, beans, lentils, lean meat

Recommended foods that help milk production and create a natural formula rich in nourishing vitamins and minerals for your baby are:

• Water is always an essential element in a healthy diet, supporting both hydration levels and digestion and other body functions.
• Fruits and vegetables offer you a wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals that also reach the baby. You must, however, wash them carefully each time before consumption, to prevent contact with various parasites.
• Oatmeal is rich in fiber, which supports digestion and energy levels.
• Brown rice and chickpeas are important sources of carbohydrates for energy, and unlike white rice, for example, they provide a higher fiber intake.
• Protein (from sources like eggs, beans, lentils, lean meat, dairy, etc.) contributes to healthy cells and tissues.
• Eggs and dairy are also sources of calcium.

Foods to avoid while breastfeeding

• Products containing caffeine
• Certain spices (cinnamon, pepper)
• Preserves, sausages, seafood, smoked fish, roe
• Certain types of fish: bluefin tuna, swordfish
• Sweets, fast food
• alcohol

The foods that, because you eat them, can reach the baby through the breast milk and can harm him, are the ones that you are recommended to avoid during the entire period when the baby is breastfed:

• Coffee, black/green tea and other products containing caffeine : can make your baby fussy and could also cause lactation to decrease. It is recommended not to exceed one cup of coffee per day as long as you are breastfeeding.
• Cinnamon, pepper, curry, paprika, ginger, and other spices : They are not harmful or dangerous, but your baby may be fussy or uncomfortable after eating them. Pay attention to these signs to see which spices make him uncomfortable, and avoid those.
• Seafood, smoked fish, roe, sausages and canned food : there is a risk of being contaminated.
• Certain species of fish : those that are at increased risk of containing high amounts of mercury, such as swordfish, tuna or shark.
• Fast food and foods rich in sugar: excessive consumption of salt or sugar can negatively affect the metabolism of the little one and make him irritable.
• Alcohol : it can reach your baby through breast milk.

Lifestyle advice

Not just your diet, but your whole lifestyle will affect the quality of your breast milk, your bond with your baby, the care it receives, and its physical and emotional health. So it is recommended that, at least during breastfeeding, to:

• Quit smoking (even if you don't smoke/vape around your baby, smoke or smells can get on your clothes, hair, etc. ‒ so it's just as good an idea to avoid and stay around smokers)
• You get enough rest
• Avoid aggressive weight loss diets
• Limit caffeine consumption
• Adopt an active lifestyle as much as possible after you've recovered postpartum (physical activity can help with energy levels, stress management, weight control, increased sleep quality, maintaining a good mood)
• Avoid stressful situations as much as you can
• Be patient with yourself and the baby

Frequently asked questions about breastfeeding

What complications can occur during breastfeeding?

Various problems can arise during breastfeeding, and it is good to go to the specialist as soon as possible to solve them as quickly as possible, before they cause other complications. Among the most common such situations we find pain in the nipples or their cracking, insufficient lactation, swelling and inflammation of the breasts due to excessive milk production (also known as "milk rage"), infections or irritations in the nipples, blockage of the milk duct and mastitis (inflammation and infection of the breast tissue) which can lead to abscesses (bags of pus).

Until what age is the baby breastfed?

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding of the child from the first hour of life and throughout the first 6 months, and only later to begin the progressive introduction of other meals, appropriate for the age.

But every woman is different, and every baby's needs and pace of development are unique. So breastfeeding can last less than 6 months, or it can reach up to 2 years. It's always good to talk to your specialist, both your gynecologist and pediatrician, or even a lactation consultant, to see what the best approach is for your baby.

Can you take medicine while breastfeeding?

In general, most medications do not affect breastfeeding, but you should always talk to your doctor if you have a health problem. Self-medication (that is, treating yourself) is in no case recommended, because you do not know how and to what extent it can affect the health of the baby. There are also a number of drugs that are prohibited during breastfeeding, including antidepressants, laxatives, contraceptives, benzodiazepines and certain antibiotics.

Is breastfeeding easy?

That breastfeeding is easy is a myth. Just because it's natural and because babies are born with the instinct to seek the mother's breast, doesn't mean it's easy for all women. It is a technique that takes time and practice, but also support and education. It will take some patience with you and your little one until you learn how to properly position him at the breast and when, how much and how to feed him.