It was the first time that Yicel Martínez was on her way to the delivery room, a moment that came with some nervousness, accompanied by excitement, fear and joy.
Without complications, Adán was born at the Orlando Pantoja Tamayo Hospital in Contramaestre. As soon as he came out of his mother’s womb and once his reflexes were checked, the medical staff gave Yicel the first care.
The magic of the first approach, the first kiss, the first caress, were a surprise. In less than an hour, Adam was enjoying the warmth of his mother against his chest.
The young woman was barely experienced, but one of the hospital nurses who assisted her in the delivery helped her to put the baby to the breast correctly and gave her advice on how to make the most of breastfeeding.
Yicel has enough milk to breastfeed Adam. She received and sought information, has the support of her family, and understands that breastfeeding is the optimal way to feed her baby.
After searching for knowledge to initially nourish the newborn, Yicel acquired references, and discovered that exclusive breastfeeding contains carbohydrates, proteins and fats that the newborn needs to improve its survival.
By searching for content on breastfeeding, the new mother also learned that it is ideal for infants, is safe and clean, contains antibodies that protect against many childhood illnesses, and provides all the energy a baby needs for the first six months of life.
But what happens when experience is lacking, support is not forthcoming, or factors such as anxiety and depression overwhelm the mother?
Sometimes many mothers have the perception that they are not able to breastfeed their infants because they have little milk available, and this causes them anxiety and worry.
If it does not receive adequate attention, anxiety can lead to the abandonment or interruption of breastfeeding in the first six months, replacing it with artificial milks or other foods such as cow’s milk, which have a negative impact on the child’s future physical and intellectual development and its immune response to diseases.
Today, when Yicel Martínez happily breastfeeds her two-month-old baby and fully defends this first vaccine for the multiple benefits it offers for the health of the little ones, Contramaestre promotes a shared maternity and paternity that guarantees all the support that both mother and child need for a successful breastfeeding.
