Breastfeeding

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Breast milk is the perfect food for the baby.

It is recommended to exclusively breastfeed during the first 6 months of life and to maintain it until at least one year old, even if other foods have been introduced.

Breast milk has the right amount of nutrients such as proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals that the baby requires during this stage of his life, as well as a set of antibodies that will protect him against certain diseases. On the other hand, it is easier to digest than infant formula, so babies who are breastfed tend to have less gas, colic, or constipation.

Breastfeeding has a number of benefits for the mother.

Breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin, which induces contraction of the uterus, speeding it back to its normal size and reducing postpartum bleeding. It also contributes to reducing the weight that was gained during pregnancy and there are studies that indicate a protective factor against breast and ovarian cancer in women who breastfed.

  • Breastfeeding is a natural process where mother and baby will gradually become attached.

  • It is important to allow the baby to establish his schedule, and to learn to recognize the moment when he wants to feed (he does not necessarily have to cry).

  • The initial stomach capacity is about half an ounce and it empties quickly, so during the first weeks of life most babies feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. These periods of time are spaced out as the milk increases its fat content and fills it up for a longer time, until establishing schedules of 3-4 hours between each feeding.

  • It is important to maintain a balanced diet accompanied by plenty of fluids to produce enough milk.

  • It is estimated a requirement of approximately 450 additional calories during this period, so it should reach about 2500 calories ingested per day.

  • The best way to ensure your fluid supply is to drink one to three glasses of water each time you breastfeed.

Breast milk is the most natural.

“Doubts may arise during this stage, but it is important to remember that it is a natural process and as such must be approached despite the many demands that modern life imposes on us”

Rdn. Marisol Navarrete
Rdn. Marisol Navarrete
Clinical nutrition and lactation
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