Breastfeeding and Its Effect on Fetal Health from the First Hour of a Baby's Life

Abstract

Breast milk provides all of the nutrients an infant needs for the first six months. Additionally, it has immunological properties that protect infants against common diseases, such as diarrhea and pneumonia, which are important causes of infant morbidity and mortality. Breastfeeding also presents advantages to the mother's health, increasing the postpartum infertility period, helping them return to their pregestational weight, and reducing their risk of developing breast. Despite its recognized benefits, the practice of breastfeeding, in the majority of countries, is still below the recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Regarding promotion of breastfeeding, the WHO recommends placing newborns in direct contact with their mothers immediately after birth for at least one hour, and encourage the mother to initiate breastfeeding as soon as the newborn is ready, offering help if necessary. This recommendation is based on the newborn's stronger aptitude in spontaneously searching for the nipple area and initiating breastfeeding during this period, contributing to the establishment of exclusive maternal breastfeeding. Breastfeeding in the first hour of life is associated with prolonged duration of breastfeeding and reduction of infant mortality, especially in low-income countries.