Breastfeeding provides several benefits for the child, such as a reduction in the risk of allergies, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, diarrhea, respiratory infections and infant mortality.
Breast milk contains essential nutrients for a better growth and development of the child. In addition to promoting better development of the oral cavity, preparing for chewing and speech.
For women, the benefits include better postpartum recovery, reduced risk of developing diseases and cancer, in addition to strengthening the bond with their children.
The month of August, dedicated to raising awareness about the breastfeeding is an opportunity to address myths and truths about practice.
It is a myth that there is “weak milk”
The body of the woman and the baby go through changes and with breast milk it is no different. Over time, it transforms and adapts according to the child’s needs.
The Ministry of Health considers three different phases of breast milk: colostrum, transitional and mature.
During the first five days of a child’s life, the woman’s body produces colostrum. With a transparent or yellowish appearance, the first milk contains proteins and antibodies, being essential for the protection of the baby.
Between the 6th and 15th day after the baby is born, the woman’s body starts to produce denser and voluminous milk, called transition milk, which is rich in fats and carbohydrates.
Mature milk begins to be produced around the 25th day and has a consistent, whitish appearance. The composition has proteins, fats, carbohydrates and other nutrients.
According to the ministry, there is no such thing as “weak milk”. The type and amount of breast milk produced by the woman’s body is ideal and suitable for each stage of the baby’s life.
It is a myth that the child needs any food before six months
Breastfeeding is recommended for up to two years or more, being the only food that the child should receive until 6 months, without the need for water, tea or any other food.
Breast milk is a complete food, as it contains all the nutrients and proteins necessary for growth and development at this stage. In addition, it has defense substances that are not found in any other milk and protect the child’s body.
Starting breastfeeding soon after birth, in the first hour of life, benefits both the child and the mother.
It is a myth that the child should be fed at fixed times
The orientation of the Ministry of Health is breastfeeding on demand, that is: the baby should breastfeed whenever he wants.
The Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP) states that it is not necessary to establish a fixed schedule.
“It is recommended that the child be breastfed without restrictions on schedules and duration of breastfeeding. This is what is called breastfeeding on demand. In the first few months, it is normal for the child to breastfeed more frequently and without regular schedules. It is she who determines the frequency and duration of feedings. She learns to recognize her hunger and satiety signals and this may be related to lower rates of obesity in adulthood,” says the SBP.
It is a myth that frozen milk loses nutrients
Breast milk can be frozen for up to 15 days without losing its characteristics and nutritional quality, as long as it is stored correctly.
“The ideal is to thaw the milk in a bain-marie, without boiling, to preserve the proteins and nutritional value”, says gynecologist and obstetrician Aline Ambrósio.
It is a myth that breast size is related to milk production
According to the Ministry of Health, both large and small breasts have the capacity to secrete the same volume of milk.
In addition, breast surgery to include a silicone prosthesis does not prevent women from breastfeeding. Preservation of breast structures can be done in agreement with the related medical team.
It is a myth that if the child bites the breast, it is necessary to stop breastfeeding.
Baby’s discomfort with teething tends to be temporary and usually subsides shortly after teething.
“During this period, you can offer a cold damp cloth or a cold toy/biter to relieve the discomfort of teething. Avoid medicating without guidance and without need. There is no indication or need to stop breastfeeding when teeth appear or when the baby starts to bite the breast”, says the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP).
The SBP recommends that during breastfeeding, the baby’s mouth and tongue are positioned between the teeth and the nipple, which will reduce the chances of biting while sucking.
It’s true that formula use can help struggling mothers
The use of formula or formula for babies is not a substitute for breast milk in essence, but it can help mothers who have difficulty or cannot breastfeed and those who suffer from postpartum depression.
“The formula does not have the benefits over the protections that breast milk provides, such as avoiding allergies in general, the development of bone and muscle dental arches, better intestinal flora”, says gynecologist and obstetrician Aline Ambrósio. “I consider breastfeeding more painful and harmful in a maternal climate of depression, indifference, rejection towards the baby, as it marks the baby’s psyche as a threat to existence”, she adds.
According to the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP), infant formula does not contain antibodies or defense cells that work in humans, unlike what occurs in breast milk.
“Formula is not able to bring this important protection to babies, who are naturally born with difficulty defending themselves from infections until around 2 years of age, especially premature babies”, says the SBP.
Is it true that breastfeeding a child by another woman is dangerous
The child should be fed only by the mother or from material provided by milk banks. The doctor Maria Augusta Junqueira Alves, manager of the human milk bank at Santa Casa de São Paulo, says that it is contraindicated for mothers to give milk on their own or breastfeed the children of women with breastfeeding difficulties.
“Cross-breastfeeding, as the practice is known, is formally contraindicated by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO). This type of breastfeeding brings several risks to the baby, and can transmit infectious diseases”, he warns.
It is true that breastfeeding has benefits for the child’s intelligence
Studies show that breastfed children, when compared to those not breastfed or breastfed for a short time, have a higher Intelligence Quotient (IQ), on average 3.4 points higher.
According to the SBP, brain development in the first two years of life is very intense and breast milk contains substances that help children reach their intelligence potential. In addition, the breastfed child tends to be more stimulated, which is also essential for the healthy development of the child and the formation of affective bonds.
However, the SBP cautions that this does not necessarily mean that every breastfed child is smarter than those who are not.
It is true that hydration contributes to milk production
Professor at the Institute of Nutrition at the University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Uerj) Jorginete de Jesus Damião says that the liquid part of milk is produced from the mother’s hydration.
“It is important for a woman who is breastfeeding to drink even more water. A good tip is to always have a bottle of water nearby when she goes to breastfeed”, says Jorginete.
In addition, with the increased demand for water in the body, it is possible to feel more hungry and thirsty and, therefore, the woman who is breastfeeding can become more dehydrated than normal.
It is true that breastfeeding contributes to the return to normal weight of the mother
The breastfeeding mother returns more quickly to her normal weight. In addition, breastfeeding reduces the chances of developing diseases such as diabetes.
Studies also point out that breastfeeding helps reduce bleeding after childbirth and prevents breast, ovarian and uterine cancer.
It is true that breast milk can vary in color
The color of breast milk may vary depending on the woman’s diet and the use of certain medications.
The SBP states that consumption of carrots, pumpkins and orange vegetables can make milk more yellow, due to the higher concentration of beta-carotene, a pigment present in these foods.
According to the SBP, the bluish or greenish color can occur when a woman consumes large amounts of green vegetables or foods that contain green dyes.
The pink or orange color may be due to the ingestion of foods or drinks of these colors, such as beets, soft drinks, juices and jellies. The SBP points out that most of the time, the color change of the milk is normal and that there is no reason to worry.
It is true that breastfeeding is sustainable and economical
Human milk is considered the most economical, renewable, ecological and safe food that exists, it does not need packaging, does not contaminate and does not leave waste.
“Breastfeeding maintains a deep connection between health and the planet’s ecosystems, resulting in one of the best investments to reduce infant mortality, improve the health and social and economic development of populations”, says researcher Danielle Aparecida da Silva, coordinator from the Milk Bank of the Fernandes Figueira Institute (IFF/Fiocruz).
Source: CNN Brasil
