Nutrition of the newborn is also important because it is one of the first examples of social interaction. Most newborns keep their eyes open during feeding. Breastfeeding provides a more favorable position for eye contact with the mother than formula feeding. Although there are individual differences, breastfeeding creates an opportunity for intimacy between mother and baby and has a positive effect on the mother-infant relationship. In the follow-up studies, it was determined that the mutual touching of the mother and the baby and the duration of the mother’s eye contact with the baby were higher in mothers who breastfeed their babies compared to those who feed them with formula. Nursing mothers maintain warm relationships longer even after they have finished feeding their children. It has been reported that breastfeeding mothers have less anxiety (tension and anxiety), are calmer, and are stress-free. Breastfeeding initiates an “antistress” effect for the mother. It is thought that the closeness between mother and baby in breastfeeding has a positive effect on the development of the child. Studies have found a significant correlation between mother-infant interaction during feeding in the first three months of life and later attachment of the infant to the mother. Breastfed children are less likely to catch various infections than formula-fed children, they also have lower systolic blood pressures at school age, better cognitive development, higher scores on intelligence and language development tests, moreover, as the duration of breastfeeding increases. this beneficial effect becomes even more pronounced.
During the breastfeeding period, the mother’s nutrition and habits are of great importance for the baby. For example, many chemicals such as alcohol taken by the mother, drugs, active ingredients of cigarettes, and caffeine pass into breast milk. Therefore, these substances should not be used during breastfeeding. Medications that must be used should be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
One of the conditions that negatively affect breastfeeding is the baby’s nasal congestion. For this reason, babies should be prevented from coming into contact with sick people and being in the same environment. In cases where there is congestion, dropping 2-3 drops of saline before breastfeeding prevents nasal congestion.
Breastfeeding should be according to the child’s needs. Generally, in the first days after birth, it is sufficient to breastfeed for five minutes from both breasts. Afterwards, the breastfeeding time can be increased to twenty minutes according to the child’s wishes. The baby shows his hunger by waking up and crying. Meal breaks can be as frequent as 1-1.5 hours in the first month or as long as 4-5 hours apart. While there are 6-10 meals in the newborn period, it decreases to 5-6 after the first month and to 4-5 at 3-5 months. Many babies can sleep 7-10 hours continuously without feeding at night after about the second month.
The temperature of the place where the baby will be breastfed should be suitable; The baby’s clothes should not squeeze the baby, and the baby’s bottom should be clean. Before breastfeeding, the mother should wash her hands well with soap. Nipples and their surroundings should be wiped with warm boiled water and a clean cloth. The baby and mother should breastfeed in the most comfortable position. The most comfortable position for this may be a sofa or chair where the mother can lean her back. While breastfeeding, the nipple and brown area of the breast should completely enter the baby’s mouth and touch the palate. In this way, the sucking reflex is stimulated. Usually in the first 5 minutes, the baby takes enough milk into his body; however, keeping the breast and the child together is necessary in terms of their emotional and tactile needs. At the end of breastfeeding, the baby should be held upright and gently massaged on the back. In this way, gas removal takes place. After breastfeeding, the baby should be put to bed. After breastfeeding, the breast should be squeezed slightly and the remaining milk should be drained. Then the chest should be wiped again and covered with cheesecloth.
In the first 4-6 months, it is recommended to give vitamin D alongside breast milk. In cases where breast milk is not available or insufficient, formula infant formulas with the closest content to breast milk should be used. For mother and child, feeding the child is an emotional social sharing beyond nutrition. Therefore, the mother should establish a warm, close and positive relationship while feeding her child. Do not break eye contact with the child. Situations such as dealing with other activities, talking to other people, reading or watching TV while feeding your child may reduce emotional social sharing during eating and cause children to take less food or to refuse food. After four to six months, breast milk alone is not enough to meet the daily needs of the baby; Therefore, supplementary foods should be introduced alongside breast milk. When a new food is given to the baby for the first time, it should be given in very small quantities until the baby gets used to it; The amount should be increased gradually. The first foods to be started should be foods with low allergy level. Babies should not be forced to take food they don’t want or to eat more against their will.
