Support for breastfeeding in Primary Care

Human milk is recognized as the ideal nourishment for all children due to its proven health benefits for mother and child. World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life and, at least until two years, complemented with other foods. This recommendation extends to sick and preterm newborns, with rare exceptions. Proofs on the protecting effect of breastfeeding for child and mother health are very robust relating to fourteen diseases: nine child diseases and five mother diseases. Support to breastfeeding in Primary Care has a favourable and consistent effect, with a minimum risk of adverse events and it requires affordable resources. It is suggested to implement in Primary Care Centers the recommended practices of the American Academy of Pediatrics or the 7 steps of Initiative Humanisation of Attendance to Birth and breastfeeding to prolong breastfeeding. It is suggested to train physicians in breastfeeding, involve breastfeeding consultant nurses and promote the peers’ support to prolong breastfeeding.