The World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated from August 1st to 7th in more than 120 countries, in order to promote and support the physiological and instinctive act. The first year of life, is the stage of growth and faster development, so it is important to give the child sufficient and adequate food.
The first feeding is based on human breast milk, then it is supplemented by other provisions to meet the nutritional needs and achieve healthy growth and development.
After birth should start breastfeeding, exclusively until the sixth month of life and free. This milk provides all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that a baby needs for growth during the first months of life. It contains the necessary amino acids in brain development, but also has antibodies and other immune components that help the mother to protect the child against infections and diseases.
The direct skin contact between mother and baby at an early stage, combined with the frequent breastfeeding and unrestricted continuous stimulates milk production and increase the chances of success lactation.
Moreover breastfeeding also contributes to the mother´s health because helps reduce risks of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. The act of breastfeeding strengthen the bonds of love between mother and son, while providing peace of mind to the women because children get sick less.
In Cuba, exclusive breastfeeding, as posed by the Plan of Action of the World Summit for Children, is a priority to maintain the downward trend in mortality in children under 5 years.
Breast milk is organic food, which requires manufacturing, packaging or transport. This saves energy while environmental pollution is avoided.
Breastfeeding a child is rewarding for women, knowing that the process of natural food is superior to other forms of nutrition, whatever the socioeconomic, cultural or dietary conditions of infants.
