When health systems are limited, as is the case today as a result of the health crisis, both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) agree that breastfeeding and breastfeeding mother-baby interaction take on even more relevance due to the benefits it has to prevent infections, promote health and contribute to development.
Inspired by their mission to accompany women from the zero moment of their maternal stage, Huggies joins the purpose of World Lactation Week, which is celebrated from August 1 to 7, to contribute to raising awareness and stimulating this act that contributes so much. In this way, five lessons have been compiled from the current context regarding breastfeeding:
1. Breastfeeding favors the health of the baby: for example, it helps a good formation of the teeth; on the other hand, breast milk is associated with greater intelligence in the infant. In addition, it reduces the risk of respiratory complications.
2. Mom’s well-being also improves: in addition to helping to reduce nervous states such as stress or anxiety, breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, according to the WHO.
3. Breastfeeding without limits: both the mother and the child can decide when it is time to stop breastfeeding. Another benefit is that the woman can express milk and store it in the refrigerator so that it is available even if she is not present when the baby is hungry.
4. Covid-19 is no reason to cut breastfeeding: the WHO has indicated that, so far, the virus has not been identified as being transmitted through breast milk; therefore, it is not a threat to interrupt breastfeeding. If a mother is infected with coronavirus and does not have health complications, she simply must reinforce her hygiene, more frequent hand washing and use of a mask. In addition, a study carried out by the specialized application LactApp and the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA), has identified antibodies in the breast milk of women vaccinated against Covid-19.
5. Moms who get vaccinated can continue breastfeeding: in January this year, the WHO indicated that breastfeeding women can be vaccinated and that it is not necessary to stop breastfeeding once they are immunized. The Initiative for the Humanization of Care at Birth and Lactation (BFHI) agrees that the immunization of this group of the population is compatible and safe.
Huggies points out that for the company it is essential to accompany women in their maternal stage from the moment they find out that they will bring a child into the world and access to quality information is the basis of this. Thus, the children’s brand has created the innovative platform Más Abrazos, which is already active in Bolivia, as a virtual space that accompanies women in different stages of their motherhood, and complements the different actions it takes in favor of its community of moms.
On this website, they can access different articles, podcasts and dynamic initiatives, such as a diaper calculator, help put together a baby shower, news, tips and tips with themes from pregnancy to the first years of the baby’s life.
“Finally, we can announce that Más Abrazos is now available to continue accompanying our Bolivian community of mothers. We want to be your allies in this unique and great experience that is being a mother, ”says Claudia Zabala, brand manager of Huggies in Bolivia.
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