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what about babies whose mothers work

Breastfeeding that reaches 95% of newborns is sharply reduced to 40% after six months and one in ten children stops nursing for reasons related to returning to work, according to data released by the Ministry of Health.

“Breastfeeding should not be understood as the sole responsibility of the person who breastfeeds and equal rights between genders, people with the capacity to carry children and companions should be promoted. To be able to sustain breastfeeding, the accompaniment of the couple, the family and the whole environment is necessary. At the same time, the work environments must be adapted and foster environments that contribute to this task, ”said the Health portfolio.

He also pointed out that “through laws and public policies, the State also plays a fundamental role in guaranteeing the rights of people to breastfeed and be breastfed”; and by virtue of this, in Argentina “there is a broad body of legislation in force.”

In Argentina, the prevalence of breastfeeding at birth is more than 95%. However, at 6 months, exclusive breastfeeding is sharply reduced and is around 40%.

According to data collected in 2018 from the National Nutrition and Health Survey, 1 in 10 lactations are lost for reasons related to returning to work.

Breastfeeding reduces the incidence of respiratory infections and diarrhea, reducing the risk of hospitalization for both diseases by 57% and 72%, respectively. In the long term, it is also observed that the impact of being overweight decreases by 26% and by 35% in type 2 diabetes.

Meanwhile, from the National Secretariat for Children, Adolescents and Family (SENAF) that depends on the Ministry of Social Development, they indicated that “babies find security, communication, hug, tranquility to sleep at the time of breastfeeding.”

“Touch when breastfeeding is important because touch is the sense most involved in a baby’s brain development. Even if they are not breastfed, there are ways of administering breast milk that allow the child to be an active participant in their feeding and at the same time generate that sensory, visual and affective bond with those who feed them ”, they added.

But breastfeeding also benefits the pregnant person.

“Practicing breastfeeding reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage; contributes to the prevention of breast and ovarian cancer; reduces the chances of postpartum depression; and it favors and strengthens the relationship between mother and baby, “said Marisol Díaz, from the Buenos Aires College of Nutritionists.

“At a family level, it is practical and inexpensive, and it helps with family planning. Finally, on a social level, it contributes to a healthier population, and to the protection of the environment, since breast milk is a natural and renewable food ”, he concluded.

Beneficial antibodies

The Ministry of Health of the Nation recommends exclusive breastfeeding on demand from the first hour of life to 6 months.

Then, it is advisable to supplement with the incorporation of age-appropriate foods, maintaining lactation until 2 years or more.

“Breast milk contains beneficial antibodies to keep babies healthy and protected from many infections. In addition, breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of death in newborns and young babies, provides health benefits for children and also improves the health of mothers, ”recalled the United Nations Children’s Fund.

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