Breast milk is full of immunoglobulins that protect babies against pneumonia, diarrhea, ear infections, and asthma, among other illnesses. Breastfeeding immediately after birth is important because the immune system of newborns is not yet fully mature. That is why breastfeeding is often called “the first vaccine”.
According to the lactation counselor, María Fernanda Rodríguez, breastfeeding can be continued for up to 2 years or more. “The longer breastfeeding lasts, the more benefit it has, both for the mother and the baby; the mother can prevent the appearance of breast, ovarian, uterine, osteoporosis cancer; diabetes, childhood leukemia, obesity can be prevented in the baby. “, she explained.
Among the most recurrent queries by women on the subject is pain when breastfeeding, cracks in the breasts, problems that are caused by poor breastfeeding technique.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding in the first hour of life reduces the risk of dying in the first month by almost 20%.
Breast milk offers immediate protection as well as stimulation of the immune system. During the first month of life, babies who are not breastfed are six times more likely to die than those who are; between 9 and 11 months those who are not breastfed are 30% more likely to die.
