Lactancia materna: decision inteligente, multiples beneficios y futuro protegido

Abstract

The best food for the newborn is breast milk, given the evidence of short and long-term medical and neurodevelopmental
benefits. It should be considered a public health strategy to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality, improve quality of life
in short and long term. Breast milk, also known as white blood, consists of approximately 258 components, from living cells,
macro and micronutrients, hormones, defense system molecules, immunoglobulins, bacterias, etc; has great variability in
relation to the moment within the breastfeeding, time of day, age of the baby, according to the needs of the baby among
others. The advantages extend to the mother and are multiple. For those cases where it is impossible to get breast milk, we
must be able to offer the option of receiving pasteurized milk from a milk bank. Currently the Ministry of Health and health
institutions have been working to accredit as a hospital friend of the mother and child, ensuring compliance with the 10 steps
for successful breastfeeding, encouraging and supporting breastfeeding.