The importance of breast milk
Breast milk is the most perfect source of nutrition for newborns and infants. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, then continued breastfeeding combined with complementary foods until age 2 or beyond.
In Vietnam, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months is still low (approximately 24%). One of the main reasons is a lack of proper knowledge and support. This article helps mothers understand the benefits and correct breastfeeding techniques.
Benefits of breast milk for the baby
Perfect nutrition
Breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs in complete and balanced proportions for the first 6 months: protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The composition changes according to the baby’s needs:
- Colostrum: Produced in the first 2-3 days after birth, thick and yellow, rich in IgA antibodies, white blood cells, and growth factors — often called the baby’s “first vaccine”
- Transitional milk: Days 4-14, volume gradually increases
- Mature milk: After 2 weeks, composition stabilizes
Immune protection
Breast milk contains thousands of biologically active components:
- IgA antibodies protect the intestinal lining
- Lactoferrin has antibacterial and antiviral properties
- Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) nourish beneficial gut bacteria
- Living white blood cells destroy disease-causing bacteria
Breastfed babies have reduced risk of: diarrhea (50%), pneumonia (72%), ear infections (50%), and necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants.
Long-term benefits
- Reduced risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in adulthood
- Average IQ 3-4 points higher
- Reduced risk of allergies, asthma, and eczema
- Reduced risk of childhood leukemia
Benefits for the mother
Short-term benefits
- Faster uterine involution due to oxytocin released during breastfeeding
- Reduced postpartum bleeding
- Natural weight loss (burns approximately 500 extra kcal/day)
- Cost savings compared to formula
Long-term benefits
- Reduced breast cancer risk (4.3% for each 12 months of breastfeeding)
- Reduced ovarian cancer risk
- Reduced type 2 diabetes risk
- Reduced risk of heart disease and osteoporosis
Proper breastfeeding technique
Early breastfeeding — within the first hour after birth
Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding within the first hour after birth (both vaginal and cesarean delivery when possible) helps:
- Stimulate early milk production
- Baby receives precious colostrum
- Enhance mother-baby bonding
- Stabilize baby’s temperature and heart rate
Breastfeeding positions
Many positions are available; choose one comfortable for both mother and baby:
- Cradle hold: Most common, baby lies horizontally across mother’s belly
- Cross-cradle hold: Good for newborns, mother supports baby’s head with the opposite hand
- Football hold: Suitable after cesarean section, avoids pressure on the incision
- Side-lying position: Comfortable for nighttime feeds
Proper latch technique
A proper latch is the key to breastfeeding success:
- Baby opens mouth wide, takes in the entire areola (not just the nipple)
- Lower lip flipped outward
- Baby’s chin presses against the breast
- Baby’s nose near or lightly touching the breast
- Signs of a good latch: rhythmic swallowing sounds, no pain for mother
Signs of a poor latch: nipple pain, clicking sounds, baby’s cheeks hollow during feeding.
Feeding frequency
- Newborn: Feed on demand, typically 8-12 times/day
- 1-3 months: 7-9 times/day
- 3-6 months: 6-8 times/day
- Nighttime: Continue feeding when baby demands; don’t skip night feeds in the first month
Handling common breastfeeding issues
Sore and cracked nipples
The main cause is improper latch:
- Correct the latch technique
- Apply breast milk to nipples after each feed and let air dry
- Use lanolin cream if severely cracked
- Don’t wash nipples with soap
Engorgement (milk oversupply)
Usually occurs days 3-5 after birth when milk comes in:
- Breastfeed frequently, don’t skip feeds
- Warm compress before feeding helps milk flow
- Cold compress after feeding reduces swelling
- Hand express a small amount if baby doesn’t finish
Blocked milk ducts
A blocked duct causes a hard, painful lump in the breast:
- Continue feeding on the affected side, position baby’s chin toward the lump
- Gently massage from the lump toward the nipple
- Warm compress before feeding
- If accompanied by fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius, spreading redness — it may have progressed to mastitis and requires immediate medical attention
Mastitis
Symptoms: high fever, chills, severe breast pain, hot red skin area. Requires prompt antibiotic treatment but continue breastfeeding (breast milk remains safe for baby).
How to increase milk supply
Supply and demand principle
The body produces milk based on supply and demand: the more baby feeds, the more milk is produced. Therefore:
- Breastfeed frequently, on demand
- Don’t skip feeds, especially nighttime (prolactin is highest at night)
- Pump after each feed if baby doesn’t finish
- Avoid pacifiers in the first month
Diet
- Drink 2.5-3 liters of water daily
- Eat 3 main meals and 2-3 snacks
- Include lactogenic foods: pork trotter soup with green papaya, pig foot congee, papaya soup, nuts
- Avoid alcohol, limit caffeine
Rest and mental health
- Sleep when baby sleeps, take every opportunity to rest
- Reduce stress — stress is the biggest enemy of breast milk production
- Maintain skin-to-skin contact with baby
- Seek support from family
Storing breast milk
When returning to work or needing to pump and store:
- Room temperature (below 25 degrees Celsius): Use within 4 hours
- Refrigerator (4 degrees Celsius): Use within 4 days
- Freezer (-18 degrees Celsius): Use within 6 months
Thaw: Move from freezer to refrigerator overnight, or warm under running warm water. Do not use a microwave.
When to see a doctor or lactation consultant
- Baby not gaining weight or losing weight after the first 2 weeks
- Persistent nipple pain despite position adjustments
- Fever, breast pain suggesting mastitis
- Prolonged jaundice in baby
- Mother needs medication and is concerned about effects on milk
At Phong Kham Bac Sy Lam, BSCKI. Tran Thi Thuy Lam provides breastfeeding counseling from the pregnancy stage, guides proper breastfeeding techniques, and addresses common issues, helping mothers feel confident on their breastfeeding journey.
Advice from the doctor
BSCKI. Tran Thi Thuy Lam shares that success in breastfeeding depends greatly on preparation before birth and proper support in the early days after delivery.
Some practical advice for mothers:
- Learn about breastfeeding during pregnancy — don’t wait until after delivery to start learning. Attend prenatal classes or read reliable materials
- Breastfeed early within the first hour after birth — this is the golden window to stimulate milk production and let baby receive precious colostrum
- Be patient in the first week — milk not coming in heavily right away is normal. Colostrum, though small in volume, is sufficient for newborns. Frequent feeding will stimulate faster milk production
- Don’t compare your supply with other mothers — everyone has different physiology. As long as baby gains weight steadily and has 6-8 wet diapers/day, baby is getting enough
- Seek help when facing difficulties — sore nipples, blocked ducts, baby not latching all have solutions. Don’t give up; ask a doctor or lactation consultant for help
- Take care of yourself — mothers need adequate nutrition, hydration, and sleep to maintain abundant milk supply. Stress and exhaustion are the leading causes of milk loss
Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey but not always easy. Be proud of every drop of breast milk you give your baby, whether little or much.
Related articles
- Postpartum care — comprehensive postpartum recovery guide
- Third trimester nutrition — nutritional preparation for breastfeeding
- First pregnancy: 10 things to prepare — early preparation for motherhood
See more: Prenatal care services | Family planning services
Phong Kham San Phu Khoa Bac Sy Lam — Address: 125 Ham Nghi, Kim Tan, Lao Cai
Book now: 0986 321 000 — Breastfeeding counseling, accompanying mothers from pregnancy through postpartum.
