BREASTFEEDING: MORE THAN FEEDING, A UNIQUE BOND
Breastfeeding is a natural act, but that doesn't mean it's always easy. Between fatigue, recovering from childbirth, and the pace of life, many mothers face doubts and difficulties. However, when breastfeeding flows, the benefits are enormous, for both the baby and the mother.
WHY BREAST MILK IS SPECIAL
- Tailor-made nutrition: It adapts to each stage of the baby's life, giving him exactly what he needs at all times.
- Natural defenses: Protects against infections and diseases thanks to its antibodies.
- More than food, security: Skin-to-skin contact calms the baby and strengthens its bond with the mother.
- Boost for its development: It can promote learning and brain maturation.
- Benefits for the mother: It helps in postpartum recovery and reduces the risk of diseases such as breast and ovarian cancer.
- Practical and always ready: There's no need to prepare or worry about schedules.
WHEN BREASTFEEDING IS NOT SO EASY
Sometimes breastfeeding doesn't go as expected. There may be pain, doubts, or simply a pace of life that doesn't make it easy. It's about finding what works for each family.
If there are difficulties, seeking support can make all the difference. Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) They are specialized in helping with:
- Problems with gripping and sucking.
- Milk production (both little and excessive).
- Expression and storage of milk if the mother returns to work.
- Emotional support to make the experience more bearable.
IBCLC: Your ally in breastfeeding
IBCLCs don't just give you information; they walk you through the process, listen to you, and help you find solutions when things don't go as expected. They are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) (https://iblce.org/), which means they've undergone intensive training, many hours of practice, and a demanding exam to offer you the best possible help. They also need to continue updating their knowledge every five years to stay up-to-date with the latest advances in breastfeeding.
You can find them in hospitals, clinics, or private practices, all with the same goal: to make breastfeeding more possible and bearable. Among other things, they can help you with:
- Problems getting the baby to latch on properly to the breast.
- Pain while breastfeeding or concerns about milk production.
- Techniques to make breastfeeding more comfortable and efficient.
- Extraction and storage of breast milk.
- Emotional support when things get tough.
- Coordination with other health professionals for more comprehensive care.
Breastfeeding isn't always what we imagine, but with the right support, it can become a unique moment of connection with your baby. If you feel you need help, an IBCLC may be just the person you're looking for.
THE PHYSIOTHERAPIST, A GREAT ALLY
Breastfeeding depends not only on the mother's or baby's will, but also on their physical well-being. This is where a physical therapist can help with:
- Babies with breastfeeding difficulties, such as a short frenulum or tension in the neck and jaw.
- Mothers with back and shoulder pain due to poor breastfeeding posture.
- Exercises and techniques to improve the baby's sucking-swallowing-breathing coordination.
EVERY DROP COUNTS
It doesn't matter if it's just one feeding a day, a few weeks, or several years. Every drop of breast milk provides benefits. And if at some point you decide that breastfeeding isn't for you, that's also a possibility. The important thing is that motherhood is a positive, guilt-free experience.
Major health organizations, such as the WHO and the Spanish Agency for Public Health (AEP), recommend exclusive breastfeeding until six months and supplemental breastfeeding until both mother and child desire it. But every story is unique, and the best approach will always be what works for each family.