Lactancia Materna: Iniciación, beneficios, problemas y apoyo: Iniciación, beneficios, problemas y apoyo

Abstract

Breastfeeding (BF) is the preferred method and is the optimal nutritional source. Exclusive BF is recommended for the first 6 months, subsequently accompanied by solid foods for at least the first 2 years. There are parental factors that influence the initiation and maintenance. Breast milk is nutritionally rich, has immunological, antimicrobial and developmental properties. Initiation and maintenance are influenced by the hospital, social, cultural and family environment. There are 10 recommended steps for hospitals to promote BF. The infant should be given on demand and appropriate intake should be evaluated. There are multiple short and long-term benefits associated for the child’s and mother’s health, the economy, society and health systems. It can prevent the risk of acute and chronic diseases. Also influences the mother and cause increase in nutritional requirements. There are common problems such as inadequate intake, pain, infections, discharge, overproduction and neonatal jaundice that can come from BF, but with proper management they can be resolved and not be an issue. Precautions and contraindications must be assessed in each patient, such as infection, HIV positive mother, use of maternal substances and childhood illness. BF should be promoted and supported, educating on the appropriate way of doing it, its benefits and evacuating doubts, taking advantage of each consult.