Description

For this reason, the World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life (with no use of formula, juice, or water). Furthermore, many experts—including the American Academy of Pediatrics—advise that breastfeeding should continue after six months alongside the introduction of complementary foods.

Breast milk volume is low immediately after birth (less than 100 ml per day), as the newborn’s need for energy and fluids is initially minimal. However, as the infant grows and their energy needs increase, milk production also rises with frequent nursing.

Breast milk is a unique substance whose composition changes over time according to the infant’s developmental stage in order to meet their evolving needs. For example, the breast milk of a mother with a premature infant differs from that of a mother with a full-term baby. Research into breast milk composition has identified hundreds of distinct components, many of which serve multiple roles in the infant’s growth, development, and overall health.

There are three distinct stages in breast milk production: colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk. Each stage helps the infant physiologically adapt to life outside the womb.
Colostrum, produced during the first week after birth, is high in protein, lower in fat, and rich in immune factors, antibodies, and antioxidants.
Transitional milk, which is produced from around day 7 to two weeks postpartum, contains lower protein and immune factors compared to colostrum but has higher levels of carbohydrates, fats, and energy.
Breast milk composition varies from one mother to another, from day to day, and even within a single feeding session. At the beginning of each feeding, the milk is lower in fat, and the fat content increases up to fourfold by the end of the session, enhancing satiety.

In addition to meeting nutritional needs and promoting healthy growth and development, breastfeeding offers many health benefits for the infant. It reduces the risk of asthma and allergies in children. Moreover, babies who are exclusively breastfed for the first six months are less likely to suffer from ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and diarrhea. These children also have fewer hospitalizations and doctor visits. Studies show that breastfeeding is associated with higher IQ scores in childhood. Furthermore, physical closeness, skin-to-skin contact, and eye contact during breastfeeding help the baby form a stronger emotional bond with the mother and feel more secure.

Studies also suggest that breastfeeding positively impacts long-term health. Infants who are breastfed have a lower risk of becoming overweight or obese during childhood and adolescence. Breast milk also reduces the likelihood of chronic diseases later in life, particularly obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer.