More and more young girls refuse to breastfeed, giving breast cancer an opportunity to take advantage

The nutrients contained in breast milk are beneficial to the absorption and digestion of infants, and it is the most natural and safe food for infants during their growth and development. Because breast milk contains a variety of immune components, it has a protective effect on infants whose systems have not yet fully developed, can promote their mental development, and reduce the occurrence of adverse diseases.

At the same time, breastfeeding will help enhance the emotional bond between mother and baby and reduce the risk of breast cancer in mothers.

August 1st to 7th is the 31st World Breastfeeding Week. The theme of this year's event is "Promoting breastfeeding, health education first."

The Notice of the General Office of the National Health Commission on Carrying out the 2022 World Breastfeeding Week emphasizes that efforts should be made to " increase the exclusive breastfeeding rate within 6 months , and improve the qualified rate and frequency of complementary food additions for infants and young children". This article will share relevant knowledge on why and how to increase the breastfeeding rate and how to add complementary food to infants and young children aged 6 to 12 months.

1. Babies should be exclusively breastfed within 6 months of birth

The study "Observation on the Effect of Prenatal and Postnatal Care on Breastfeeding Rates of Primiparous Women" mentioned that an adult's IQ is closely related to whether they were breastfed during infancy. Exclusive breastfeeding within 6 months after birth is beneficial to improving the baby's IQ.

However, factors such as maternal fatigue, pain during breastfeeding, and lack of breastfeeding knowledge can reduce the breastfeeding rate and prolong the lactation time. Therefore, it is particularly important to implement prenatal and postnatal interventions.

2. To increase the breastfeeding rate, you should do this before and after childbirth

1. Prenatal intervention

In the late pregnancy, use a hot water towel to pull the nipples every day to increase the toughness of the nipples and avoid postpartum nipple cracking. At the same time, it also helps to improve defects such as nipple depression and short nipples.

2. Postpartum intervention

(1) Early sucking: breastfeeding should be started within 1 hour after delivery, and the baby should be allowed to suck the mother's nipple as soon as possible to shorten the time of breast milk secretion.

NOTE: There is no need to excessively wipe or disinfect the breast before the baby latches.

(2) Feeding posture: Learn the correct feeding posture. First, let the baby suck the mother's nipple and most of the areola around the nipple. During this process, the mother should keep her body relaxed and her posture comfortable. Sitting is the best posture for feeding the baby.

Sitting and standing feeding means that the mother sits in a comfortable place and puts a cushion under her arms to prevent her from getting tired from breastfeeding for a long time. If she sits on the bed, she can put a footrest under her feet. This feeding method makes it easier for the baby to hold the mother's nipple and is not easy to make the mother feel tired.

Note: Responsive feeding is recommended. Mothers need to respond promptly after recognizing the baby's hunger or fullness signals. Crying is the last sign that babies express hunger signals. In addition, feed on demand and do not force the number and time of feeding. At the same time, when the baby cries abnormally, non-hunger reasons should be considered.

(3) Emptying the breast milk: You must breastfeed according to the baby's needs. After the baby has emptied one breast of the mother, let it suck the other breast to empty the milk in the mother's breast in time. In addition, you can also use a breast pump to empty the breast milk.

III. Summary in a table: How to add complementary food to infants and young children aged 6 to 12 months

In short, breastfeeding is the most ideal food for infants, and it is very important to increase the breastfeeding rate. It should be noted that infants who are exclusively breastfed need to supplement vitamin D and vitamin K in appropriate amounts within a few days after birth, but do not need calcium supplements. In addition, when breastfeeding encounters difficulties, it is recommended to contact medical staff in time and not give up easily.