Breast milk is clearly more advisable than artificial milk and should be the exclusive food for the first 6 months. It should therefore be the main food during the first year of life, although from 6-7 months it is normal to introduce complementary feeding progressively, and breastfeeding can be continued until 2 years of age.
Despite the benefits of breastfeeding, we must not lose sight of the fact that breastfeeding can bring some problems such as nipple pain, in which case the posture should be corrected so that the baby does not suck only the tip. There may also be discomfort in hard and painful areas due to duct obstruction -which can be solved with local heat, massage, milk extraction and some analgesic- and, finally, mastitis.
When not to breastfeed
Virtually all mothers can breastfeed, as most breastfeeding incidences can be corrected. Although there are complicated cases in which breastfeeding can put the mother or child at risk of disease such as: maternal cancer that needs immediate treatment or active tuberculosis. In addition, we must consider that some medications pass into breast milk and are toxic to the baby, in cases of some congenital diseases, diseases of the newborn or refusal of the mother to breastfeed, this is perhaps the main cause to be fully respected. When it is impossible to give breast milk, the best option is artificial breastfeeding, first with starter milks until 4-6 months of age.
Infant colic
Regarding infant colic, it occurs in 10-20% of normal infants, between the 2nd-4th week and in the third month. If they occur with breastfeeding: I recommend regulating the rhythm of feedings, checking if there is adequate weight gain, withdrawing drugs and stimulants from the mother. When artificial lactation is used, the first suspicion is an intolerance to cow’s milk proteins, but it can also be due to a poorly regulated mother-child feeding relationship. In any case, the most important thing is to explain to the parents what is involved, to assure them that the condition is benign and to provide them with support.