Optimal nutrition during the first 6 months

Breast milk is a complex nourishing fluid that contains fats, proteins, sugars, vitamins, minerals, antibodies, enzymes, water and many other ingredients in exactly the ratio and amount needed to ensure optimal growth and development of the baby. Breast milk provides antibodies that give babies everywhere a healthy boost and protect them against many infections. The benefits of breastfeeding begin at the earliest age and last a lifetime.

Your milk is always available, hygienically correct, appropriate temperatures, free of charge.It is specially adapted to the needs of your child and changes from day to day, from month to month, from breastfeeding to breastfeeding, to meet the child's needs.

By breastfeeding, you encourage your baby's psycho-motor development. You shorten your postpartum recovery and reduce the risk of some diseases later in life. Breastfeeding is far more than just eating. During breastfeeding, a strong bond is established between mother and baby and the baby's need for love, warmth and security is met in a unique way. 

Risks of unnecessary supplementation
Babies need a very small amount of milk at first. As the need for the amount of milk grows, by frequent sucking, the baby stimulates production of milk and provides the amount of milk she needs. Unnecessary supplementation can cause the child to no longer want to suck because of the feeling of fullness in the stomach. The milk supply will decrease, or your breasts will become full and hard. If supplementation is used to calm the baby, it can undermine your confidence that you will be able to breastfeed your baby successfully. 

How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

A baby is for sure getting enough milk if:
- s/he is sucking at least 8-12 times during the day;
- s/he is sucking rhythmically with short pauses, chin movements can be seen, swallowing can be heard;
- wets diapers 6 or more times in 24 hours with pale, diluted urine;
- has usually 3-6 stools in 24 hours;
- has gained weight, an average of 150-240 g per week for the first 4 months;
- s/he is active between breastfeeding, lively. 

Weight gain

In the first days after birth, it is normal for a newborn to lose weight, an average of 7% of its birth weight. When lactation is established and breastfeeding starts well, the child begins to gain weight, on average 25 to 30 grams per day. Babies usually regain their birth weight between the 10th and 15th day of life. Babies who progress well usually gain a minimum of 600gr per month. Of course, some children progress much more; if the baby is just sucking, you should not be afraid that she is gaining too much weight. 

Natural nutrition of a sick child

All newborns can be fed breast milk. The exceptions are very rare congenital metabolic disorders. Some babies such as premature babies or children on mechanical ventilation cannot suck. Children with cleft palate, heart defects, neurological or genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, may have difficulty sucking. In these situations, the child can be fed breast milk, in a way that best suits his condition, until he is able to suckle. 

Close contact and early, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months helps a baby to thrive. Breast milk is the best healthy first food for your baby and is sufficient to support your child’s healthy growth and development.