Breastfeeding: Doctors Answered the Main Questions of Young Mothers

According to Svetlana Blat, breast milk contains not only essential nutrients, but also antibodies, probiotics, and prebiotics that strengthen the baby's immunity. In addition, breastfeeding helps establish a close emotional bond between mother and child.

When should you switch to formula?

Artificial feeding is recommended only in extreme cases: if the mother does not have milk or if she is taking certain medications (for example, cytostatics, tetracyclines). Elena Berdnikova clarifies that breastfeeding is not only possible, but also necessary during ARVI - the baby receives protective antibodies with milk.

What should a nursing mother eat?

Experts advise to exclude alcohol and smoking, and to be careful with products that can cause allergies (seafood, cow's milk). In the first months, it is better to avoid food that provokes colic (cabbage, cucumbers, mayonnaise). Coffee is allowed in small quantities from 3-4 months - 1-2 cups a day, preferably after feeding.

What to do if a child has an allergy?

If your baby has a rash, you should see a pediatrician. The doctor will help identify the allergen product and adjust the mother's diet.

How to cope with pain when feeding?

In case of lactostasis (milk stagnation), it is important to continue feeding, massage and warm compresses. Cracks in the nipples can be treated with D-panthenol, and also to leave the breasts open more often for healing.

When to introduce complementary foods and stop breastfeeding?

Complementary feeding begins at 4.5–6 months, and breastfeeding is recommended to continue until 2 years. By this age, milk is no longer the main source of nutrition, and weaning is easier.

Detailed recommendations can be found in the “Program for Optimizing Infant Feeding in the Russian Federation.”