Good habits for successful breastfeeding

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

A tailor-made nutritional concentrate

From the time of pregnancy, the mother's body prepares for breastfeeding by building up specific energy reserves. After birth, simply stimulating the nipple by the baby's sucking activates milk production by the mammary gland. This is why it is recommended to offer the breast on demand, as often as the baby indicates, in order to support production adapted to his needs.

One of the most remarkable characteristics of breast milk is its ability to change depending on the age and needs of the infant, as well as throughout the day. During the first weeks of life, the composition of breast milk is the sole source of nutrients for the newborn , satisfying all these nutritional needs.

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 suitable : non-allergenic, easy to digest and absorb, they support the infant's still immature digestive system . Carbohydrates and lipids play a key role in tissue formation and structuring. Among them, essential fatty acids promote brain and visual development. In addition, the lactose present in breast milk facilitates the absorption of bioactive components such as minerals including calcium.

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

The multiple and scientifically proven benefits of breastfeeding

Essential immune support and long-lasting benefits

Breastfeeding provides valuable immune support and both immediate and long-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 liquid, rich in proteins, antibodies, and nutrients, lines the walls of the newborn's digestive system, strengthening its defenses against common childhood illnesses. Studies also suggest that colostrum may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and play a role in preventing long-term overweight and obesity.

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 more than they will have throughout their lifetime, as some of these neurons naturally disappear during the first few years.

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

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

The benefits of breastfeeding for maternal health

Breastfeeding has many health benefits for the mother , including protection against certain cancers (breast and ovarian), diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In addition, 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 average increase in energy needs of 500 kcal per day. 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 sufficient in the long term.

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

Rigorous hydration is essential

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

A healthy and balanced diet

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

For carbohydrates and lipids, 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 lipids, a sufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids (oily fish) is recommended, as they play an essential role in the child's cognitive and motor development during their first two years.

Furthermore, 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.

If you would like advice or would like to ask us a question, please contact us by following this link: https://densmoregynecologie.com/pages/contact

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation or advice from your doctor. Seek professional advice before starting any dietary supplement.

Scientific references

Breastfeeding [Internet]. [cited 24 August 2022]. Available at: https://www.who.int/en/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 on the updating of the PNNS dietary guidelines for pregnant or breastfeeding women, December 2019