At Clinica Ricardo Palma we promote breastfeeding from the first day of the baby’s birth. “Colostrum, the yellowish liquid that comes out of the breasts in the first days after delivery, is highly immune and is considered the first vaccine for the newborn. For this reason, it is vital that the baby has immediate contact with the mother’s skin as soon as it is born, initiating frequent breastfeeding ”, points out Dr. Sarah Vega, neonatologist pediatrician at our clinic and president of the Breastfeeding Committee of the Latin American Association of Pediatrics – ALAPE.

Main benefits for the baby:

• Contributes to physical development. The composition of breast milk is excellent to achieve optimal growth and development, it has proteins, carbohydrates, ideal fats and more easily assimilated for the baby’s intestine.
• Promotes brain development. It contains lactose, a sugar composition that the brain requires for its proper functioning, and fats that help the formation of myelin, which favors the maturation of the brain.
• Protects against infections, stomach discomfort and other diseases. It contains antibodies and substances that facilitate the digestion of milk. Plus, it helps the baby defend against harmful bacteria like Escherichia coli. On the other hand, artificial formulas based on cow’s milk affect the intestine and could even cause microbleeds and develop anemia.
• Provides affective and emotional security. Skin-to-skin contact generates a special connection, favoring the development of self-esteem, intelligence and personality.

Main benefits for the mother:

• Reduces the risk of postpartum bleeding. Therefore, to develop anemia
• Burn calories. Helps you lose the pounds you gained in pregnancy
• Prevents postpartum depression. Breastfeeding releases hormones, including oxytocin and endorphins, which will help a mother feel relaxed, optimistic, and loving with her baby.
• It prevents illnesses. Research shows that women who have breastfed have lower rates of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as type 2 diabetes

Did you know?

1. Colostrum, which is the first milk and comes in very little quantity (one teaspoon per lactation on the first day), is a concentrate of defenses in sufficient quantity to satisfy the nutritional needs of your baby. If you offer the breast 9 to 10 times in 24 hours, your milk production will increase day by day.
2. Breastfed babies have been shown to have higher IQs compared to formula-fed babies. In addition, the latter are more likely to be overweight and obese.
3. Breast milk protects tooth enamel, on the contrary, formulas have substances that damage enamel and promote cavities.
4. Breastfeeding is key to favor the integral development of the human being in the first 1000 days of life, both the physical and the socio-emotional aspect.

Dra. Sarah Vega
Neonatologist Pediatrician de la Clínica Ricardo Palma