Good habits for successful breastfeeding

1. Breast milk: a composition naturally adapted to the needs of the infant

A. A concentrated, customized nutrition solution

From the moment of pregnancy, the mother's body prepares for breastfeeding by building up specific energy reserves. After birth, the simple stimulation of the nipple by the baby's suckling activates milk production by the mammary gland. This is why it is recommended to offer the breast on demand, as often as the baby shows signs of wanting it, in order to support milk production that meets their needs.

One of the most remarkable characteristics of breast milk is its ability to change according to the infant's age and needs, and also throughout the day. During the first few weeks of life, the composition of breast milk is the sole source of nutrients for the newborn , satisfying all their nutritional needs.

B. An optimal response to the specific needs of the infant

Composed of 87-88% water, it also contains essential macronutrients, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, which provide approximately 65 to 70 kilocalories per 100 mL, thus ensuring an optimal energy intake essential for the growth and development of the child.

Breast milk proteins are particularly well-suited : non-allergenic, easily digested and absorbed, they support the infant's still-developing digestive system . Carbohydrates and lipids play a key role in tissue formation and structure. Among them, essential fatty acids promote brain and visual development. Furthermore, the lactose present in breast milk facilitates the absorption of bioactive components such as minerals, including calcium.

In addition to macronutrients, milk also contains antibodies, enzymes, hormones, and growth factors, which actively participate in the protection and overall development of the newborn.

2. The multiple and scientifically proven benefits of breastfeeding

A. Essential immune support and lasting benefits

Breastfeeding provides valuable immune support and both immediate and lasting benefits for the child.
Breast milk contains antibodies produced by the mother, which help protect the baby against various bacterial and viral infections. Particular attention is paid to colostrum , the first milk secreted in the days following birth. This fluid, rich in proteins, antibodies, and nutrients, coats the walls of the newborn's digestive system, thus strengthening their defenses against common childhood illnesses. Studies also suggest that colostrum may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and play a role in preventing overweight and obesity in the long term.

B. An essential ally for the development of brain tissue

Brain development is a crucial stage in a child's growth. During the first year of life, brain volume doubles. At birth, a newborn has approximately 100 billion neurons , a number greater than they will have throughout their life, as some of these neurons naturally disappear during the first few years.

Beyond the number of neurons, it is primarily their connections that play a fundamental role in brain development. To promote the formation of these connections, the brain needs specific and appropriate nutrients.

A study published in 2018 demonstrated that breastfeeding in premature infants improves brain connectivity , that is, the brain's ability to establish and strengthen its neural networks, which is a major advantage for their cognitive development .

C. The benefits of breastfeeding for maternal health

Breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits for the mother , including protection against certain cancers (breast and ovarian), diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, it can promote weight loss.
Natural breast milk is available at the right temperature, in the right dosages, and without additives.

However, breastfeeding requires special attention to the mother's diet, with an increase in average daily energy needs of 500 kcal. As during pregnancy, certain nutrients must be provided in sufficient quantities to support the baby's rapid growth, as the reserves built up during pregnancy are not enough in the long term.

3. What aspects of her diet should a breastfeeding woman pay attention to?

A. Rigorous hydration is essential

Indeed, milk production requires excellent hydration , which means drinking regularly throughout the day, without waiting until you're thirsty. Water is the most suitable liquid to support the body's needs during breastfeeding, especially mineralized waters rich in calcium and magnesium.

B. A healthy and balanced diet

ANSES has published specific recommendations for nutrition during breastfeeding. Among the macronutrient requirements, only protein intake increases significantly, with an increase of 19 g/day in the first six months and 13 g/day in the second six months, in addition to the average requirements of an adult woman!

For carbohydrates and fats, the recommendations remain the same as for adult women. It is advisable to favor complex carbohydrates , such as legumes (peas, beans, lentils, etc.), starchy foods, and whole grains , which constitute the body's main source of energy. Regarding fats, a sufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids (oily fish) is recommended, as they play an essential role in the cognitive and motor development of children during their first two years.

In addition, the need for several vitamins (A, B2, B5, B6, B8, B9 or folic acid, B12, C) and minerals (copper, iodine, potassium, selenium, zinc) also increases during the breastfeeding period, highlighting the importance of a varied and balanced diet.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation or advice from your doctor.

Scientific references

Breastfeeding [Internet]. [cited 24 August 2022]. Available from: https://www.who.int/fr/health-topics/breastfeeding

Pribylova J, Krausova K, Kocourkova I, Rossmann P, Klimesova K, Kverka M, et al. Colostrum of healthy mothers contains broad spectrum of secretory IgA autoantibodies. J Clin Immunol. Dec 2012;32(6):1372‑80.

Vennemann MM, Bajanowski T, Brinkmann B, Jorch G, Yücesan K, Sauerland C, et al. Does breastfeeding reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome? Pediatrics. March 2009;123(3):e406-410.

Wang L, Collins C, Ratliff M, Xie B, Wang Y. Breastfeeding Reduces Childhood Obesity Risks. Child Obes Print. June 2017;13(3):197-204.

Blesa M, Sullivan G, Anblagan D, Telford EJ, Quigley AJ, Sparrow SA, et al. Early breast milk exposure modifies brain connectivity in preterm infants. NeuroImage. 1 Jan 2019;184:431‑9.

Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer. Breast cancer and breastfeeding: collaborative reanalysis of individual data from 47 epidemiological studies in 30 countries, including 50,302 women with breast cancer and 96,973 women without the disease. Lancet Lond Engl. 20 Jul 2002;360(9328):187‑95.

Babic A, Sasamoto N, Rosner BA, Tworoger SS, Jordan SJ, Risch HA, et al. Association Between Breastfeeding and Ovarian Cancer Risk. JAMA Oncol. June 2020;6(6):e200421.

Ip S, Chung M, Raman G, Chew P, Magula N, DeVine D, et al. Breastfeeding and maternal and infant health outcomes in developed countries. Evid ReportTechnology Assess. Apr 2007;(153):1‑186.

National Agency for Accreditation and Evaluation in Health (ANAES). Acta Endosc. Apr 1998;28(2):151-5.

Dewey K.G. Energy and Protein Requirements During Lactation. Annu Rev Nutr. 1997;17(1):19‑36.

Weizman Z, Alkrinawi S, Goldfarb D, Bitran C. Efficacy of herbal tea preparation in infantile colic. J Pediatr. Apr 1993;122(4):650‑2.

Yi DY et al. Human Breast Milk Composition and Function in Human Health: From Nutritional Components to Microbiome and MicroRNAs. Nutrients. 2021 Sep 2;13(9):3094. doi:10.3390/nu13093094. PMID: 34578971; PMCID: PMC8471419.

ANSES opinion regarding the update of the PNNS dietary guidelines for pregnant or breastfeeding women, December 2019