Due to the importance of breastfeeding in nutrition and food security, the World Breastfeeding Alliance (WABA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrate World Breastfeeding Week every year. Maternal from August 1 to 7. This year the motto is “Supporting breastfeeding contributes to a healthier planet” and it occurs within the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Breast milk is the ideal, complete and healthy food for newborns and children under 2 years of age or older because it contains more than 300 nutrients and exact amounts of fats, sugars, water, proteins and vitamins that the child needs to grow and develop.” . At the same time, it provides many benefits for the baby, the mother, the family, society and companies and institutions in the public and private sectors,” says Yudith Teresa Conde Ocampos , Obstetrician and Head Specialist in Breastfeeding and Parenting at the Hospital. of Clinics.
Among the benefits for the newborn, it stands out that breast milk contains the necessary nutrients for optimal growth; reduces the risk of malnutrition; provides antibodies that protect against prevalent childhood diseases, such as diarrhea, allergies, asthma and respiratory infections; reduces the risk of sudden death by 1.5 to 5 times; It is easily digestible, which reduces baby colic; has sufficient fluids and electrolytes for hydration; It has the best bioavailability of iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc; promotes emotional and intellectual development; prevents future mental health problems; and helps develop clear language early.
In turn, breast milk protects against dental cavities and reduces the risk of orthodontics in childhood and adolescence; It has long-term effects on health, since it reduces the probability of developing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and hypercholesterolemia in adulthood. Likewise, it creates an emotional bond with the mother, thanks to which breastfed boys and girls grow up happier, safer and more emotionally stable.
Experts from the Hospital de Clínicas highlight that, among the benefits for the mother, are the emotional bond that is created, which already favors the development of her self-esteem and a healthy personality. Breastfeeding, at the maternal level, produces special hormones that help her feel relaxed and affectionate towards her baby; helps rapid recovery after childbirth, as it tends to burn additional calories - which allows the pre-pregnancy prisoner to quickly recover - and prevents post-partum depression; In the long term it prevents both osteoporosis and breast and ovarian cancer; and reduces the risk of postpartum bleeding, therefore reducing the risk of developing anemia.
“Babies should be exclusively breastfed during the first six months of life, and then introduce nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods, while continuing to breastfeed until two years of age or more,” explains Conde Ocampos and then adds: “It is the binomial. mother/child who decides how long to continue breastfeeding. Breastfeeding beyond the infant’s two years of age, although infrequent, is still beneficial for both. When the time comes to wean, it will be done progressively and slowly, to avoid problems for both the baby and its mother.”
As for breastfeeding women, it indicates that they do not need special diets and that the best nutrition comes from a healthy and varied diet. “Only in some cases, due to illness or nutritional problems, can the doctor recommend some supplements. There are also no foods prohibited during breastfeeding. The aroma of food passes into the milk and can change its smell and taste. This helps the baby become familiar with different flavors, which will allow him to more easily accept complementary feeding. Only in the case of repeatedly observing that after the mother has eaten a certain food and the baby shows some type of discomfort (vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, discomfort or rejection of milk), it may be necessary to avoid that specific food. ”, he points out.
Breastfeeding myths
In another order of ideas, the specialist warns about the countless myths that exist around breastfeeding. These include: breastfeeding is easier; breastfeeding hurts; nipples must be washed to breastfeed; The couple must be separated so that the mother can rest and recover; exercise is counterproductive for breastfeeding; simple foods should be eaten; If it is not latched on immediately at birth it will be more difficult; You should never use formula if you want to breastfeed; many mothers cannot produce enough milk; You should not breastfeed if she is sick; You cannot take any medication while breastfeeding; Babies who are breastfed are more attached; It is difficult to wean if you breastfeed for more than a year; If work is resumed, it must be weaned.
However, perhaps one of the most circulating myths is that breastfeeding is a practice that only involves the mother and her child: “We must be clear that breastfeeding is a shared responsibility that involves not only the mother and her child. your newborn, but also to the family, the social environment and the workplace ,” the professional emphasizes. In this sense, she suggests that there are two problems. On the one hand, the WHO recommends “exclusive breastfeeding,” which cannot be guaranteed if the woman must return to a working life that provides her with independence and autonomy. On the other hand, she remembers that there are women who, within their rights, do not feel the desire to breastfeed or do not have the possibility, either physically or emotionally, to do so. “The situation, then, is very complex. Those who want and can have no way or where, and those who can’t or don’t want are treated almost as heartless ," says Conde Ocampos.
Following this line, he states that although in our country there are laws 26,873 and 27,611, the latter known as the “Law of 1000 days”, which are responsible for offering support and assistance during pregnancy during the first three years of life. from children to all pregnant people, the reality is different: “There are few workplaces where they have a nursing room or gardens that have a friendly space for breastfeeding. The Argentine Society of Pediatrics (SAP) has verified that this practice has been abandoned due to these and other obstacles that mothers face.” According to SAP data, for each month of leave that is extended, infant mortality could be reduced by 13%.
Recommendations for successful breastfeeding
The Obstetrics Service of the Hospital de Clínicas has been promoting Comprehensive Preparation for Motherhood for many years, which is developed both virtually and in person with the aim of contributing to the teaching of the benefits, techniques and difficulties related to breastfeeding, as well as Provide postpartum counseling. Among the suggestions they convey are:
-Prepare during pregnancy, both parents.
-Start breastfeeding in the first hour of life.
-Go to a support group and share experiences with other families.
-Have words of encouragement, avoid criticism and give phrases that help.
-Always remember that breastfeeding is on free demand, that is, without schedules, since the greater the baby’s suction, the greater the stimulation and the greater the milk production.
-Each mother and each family can make the decision that they believe is most appropriate in their parenting style.
