Baby nutrition in the first six months of life

Human milk from healthy mothers is the best and most complete food for babies in the first six months of life. In the first months, the baby receives all the necessary nutrients needed for healthy growth and development with the mother's milk together with the liquid. In addition to high-quality proteins and essential fatty acids, breast milk also contains protective substances that help protect the baby from infections and diseases, and no high-quality adapted milk formula can provide them. 

Breast milk has been proven to reduce the risk of allergic reactions, bacterial infections (sepsis in babies, bacterial meningitis, kidney infections...), respiratory tract infections, otitis media, and helps prevent constipation. Scientific research has confirmed that breastfeeding significantly reduces the occurrence of overweight, obesity, and increased cholesterol later in childhood. Finally, breast milk is easy to digest, breastfeeding builds a strong emotional bond between mother and baby, and is free-of-charge, portable, and hygienic baby food. The only supplement that a breastfed baby needs at this time is the addition of vitamin D in the form of AD3 or D3 drops prescribed by a pediatrician. 

When breastfeeding is not possible, we offer the baby an adapted milk formula, and after the sixth month, we continue with a partially adapted milk formula. Adapted infant milk formulas are a satisfactory substitute for breast milk, as their nutritional composition and energy value try to simulate breast milk as much as possible. 

Benefits of breastfeeding 

Breastfeeding brings numerous advantages to mothers as well. Breastfeeding immediately after birth stimulates the pituitary gland to release higher concentrations of the hormone oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions and expulsion of the placenta, while also reducing postpartum bleeding. It speeds up the mother's metabolism and thus contributes to natural weight loss after childbirth. It reduces the risk of premenopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer. It is likely to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in the postmenopausal period. Not only do breastfeed babies get sick less and are healthier, but their mothers are also healthier and calmer, breastfeeding has a positive effect on the environment as it reduces the amount of waste packaging of adapted milk formulas and bottles. 

In some cases, despite the mother's great desire and effort to breastfeed, breastfeeding is not possible because she simply does not have enough milk, or is advised not to breastfeed for health reasons. In such a situation, it is very important that the mother who cannot breastfeed her baby does not feel any guilt because it is unjustified and even harmful to their relationship. 

How long and how often should you breastfeed? 

In order for breastfeeding to be successful, it is important to start breastfeeding immediately after giving birth. Already in the delivery room, the staff dries the newborn and allows "skin-to-skin" contact with the mother as soon as possible. This contact should last as long as possible, ideally at least two hours after childbirth i.e. after the first milking. At the first physical contact with the mother, the newborn will begin to suck the breast and will find the nipple, where it will cling for the first feeding. The first feed should last until the newborn just stops sucking and drops the nipple. 

During the first three to four days, breast milk is called colostrum or first milk, which is a thick yellowish liquid that is rich in immunoglobulins, other proteins, fats, and fat-soluble vitamins and minerals. Some call colostrum the "first vaccine". In the first days, we breastfeed the newborn as often as possible. It is important that the newborn is fed on the first breast, until they spontaneously drop the nipple, and only then offer them the second breast. 

On the third to fifth day after childbirth, breasts begin to secrete transition milk, and after two to three weeks mature milk. During the first month, we put the newborn to the breast every time they want, and at the same time, we extend the breastfeeding time. The baby sucks the most in the first five minutes and then drinks most of the milk, so breastfeeding should last 10 to 20 minutes. The baby has to empty the breast completely, and if they don't do it, the mother does it additionally on her own. 

 Many mothers ask how many meals their baby should have in the first months. There is no universal answer. An indicator of sufficient milk intake during exclusive breastfeeding is the number of wet diapers we can expect: 6 or more per 24 hours. Usually, within a few weeks, the baby will establish a feeding rhythm of six to seven meals in 24 hours. 

At this point, mothers should be warned that the newborn shows readiness for feeding by a series of signs (e.g. increased alertness and activity, rapid eye movements, lip movements, seeking the breast, moving hands to the mouth, sucking movements, sucking sounds, quiet chattering, restlessness, sighing and crying) which they need to recognize and respond to. Kindly remember that crying is not the first, but a late sign of hunger. 

Some are real little gluttons and are happiest if they nurse constantly. There is nothing wrong with some babies wanting to nurse up to 12 or more times in 24 hours. This frequent feeding is still normal and helps to establish and maintain a good supply of milk. These babies, if mothers themselves do not establish the rhythm of feeding in the first three months, need to be assisted. We advise that after the third month, the mother tries to gradually establish six to seven evenly-spaced meals. 

Allow us to draw your attention to babies who are real sleepers and sleep for a few hours between meals and finish them quickly. Mothers of these sleepers have to think about whether they may not have enough milk and because of this, the baby sleeps so much that it saves energy. They need to discuss this with the visiting nurse who comes to the house. The baby will be measured and it will quickly be clear whether there is enough milk. 

The baby who is exclusively breastfed for the first six months does not need anything else (except added vitamin D3). Mother's milk is their food and source of fluids. Therefore, it is not necessary to offer the baby water and even less tea. Tea is not recommended for infants and small children.