Benefits of Breastfeeding: Better Care with Dr. Healthcare 2025

Breast milk is not only a vital source of nutrition but also the first natural "vaccine" that babies receive from the very first hours of life. According to the latest research in 2025, breastfeeding counseling has significantly improved mothers' knowledge. So how can you breastfeed effectively from the very first days?

I. Why is Breast Milk the Natural “Vaccine”?

Breast milk contains over 300 different components and changes according to the baby's needs. Research at the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital shows that:

• Breastfeeding women reduce their risk of breast cancer by 41%.
• Breastfed babies experience fewer diarrhea and urinary tract infections.
• Promotes brain development and strengthens immunity.
• Reduce obesity and diabetes in adulthood.

✅ Absolutely safe: Stable temperature, no mixing required.
✅ Perfect nutrition: Protein, carbohydrates, and fats in the right proportions.
✅ Boosts immunity: Contains antibodies and growth factors

II. Skin-to-Skin Contact: The Golden 90 Minutes After Birth

Standard Procedure

According to the Decision of the Ministry of Health:

• The baby lay face down on its mother's bare chest immediately after birth.
• The baby's head is tilted between the two breasts, both covered with a warm blanket.
• Last at least 90 minutes in a warm, draft-free room.

Scientific Benefits

Research shows that skin-to-skin contact helps:

• The rate of exclusive breastfeeding has doubled.
• Stress hormones decrease 67-72%
• Body temperature and heart rate are stable.
• Stimulating the hormone Oxytocin leads to earlier milk production.

III. Exclusive Breastfeeding for the First 6 Months

The Golden Rule

Exclusive breastfeeding means that the baby is only given breast milk, and nothing else, including water, is given unless directed by a doctor.

✅ Breastfeed early within the first hour after birth
✅ Feed on demand, day and night
✅ 15-20 minutes per feeding, finish feeding from one side then switch to the other.
✅ Continue for 24 months or longer

Current Statistics

Research conducted in Vietnam shows that:

• Only 40.41% of mothers breastfed their babies exclusively after 1 month.
• 16,7% Proper breastfeeding practices for the first 6 months

IV. Introducing Solid Foods at the Right Time: 6 Months Old

Signs of Readiness

Babies are ready to start eating solids when they are 6 months (180 days) old and show the following signs:

✅ Able to sit comfortably with support for the head and neck.
✅ Loss of tongue thrust reflex
✅ Paying attention to food, reaching out to grab it.
✅ Open your mouth when you see the spoon

Principles of Introducing Solid Foods

• Weeks 1-2: Diluted rice flour, 1-2 tablespoons/day
• Weeks 3-4: Add green vegetables and pureed fruits, increasing to 3-4 spoonfuls per meal.
• July-August: Add meat, fish, eggs, and two supplementary meals per day.
• Continue breastfeeding alongside introducing solid foods.

V. Solving Common Problems

1. Low Milk Supply

Solution:
✅ Feed your baby 8-12 times a day; nighttime feeding is important.
✅ Massage your breasts for 5-10 minutes before breastfeeding.
✅ Increase nutrition: Protein, drink 2-3 liters of water per day.
✅ Get enough rest, sleep when your baby sleeps.

2. Blocked Milk Ducts

Handle:

1. Apply a warm compress for 5 minutes before feeding.
2. Massage gently from the outside inwards.
3. Breastfeed frequently from the blocked side.
4. Apply a cold compress after feeding to reduce swelling.

See a doctor if: Fever >38.5°C, red and hot breasts, and no improvement after 24 hours.

3. Cracked Nipples

Prevention & Treatment:

• Make sure the baby is latching on correctly (including the areola).
• Change breastfeeding positions frequently.
• Apply breast milk or lanolin cream to the nipples.

VI. Nutritional Regimen for Breastfeeding Mothers

Mothers need an additional 500-700 calories per day:

Foods that should be increased:

• Protein: Meat, fish, eggs, beans
• Calcium: Milk, green vegetables, small fish
• Iron: Red meat, spinach, beans
• Water: 2-3 liters/day

Things to avoid:
❌ Alcohol and tobacco
❌ Coffee >2 cups/day
❌ Foods that cause allergies (if you have a history of them)

Conclude

Breastfeeding is a meaningful journey, from the first 90 minutes of skin-to-skin contact to 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding. The challenges of exclusive breastfeeding can be overcome with the right knowledge and professional support.

Dr. Healthcare Clinic is always there to support mothers, helping them succeed in raising healthy children. Contact us today for a free consultation!