Mexico City— The breastfeeding nor only protects against diseases and strengthens the immune system, but can also boost between 3% and 7% the neurological development of babies They receive it, at least six months exclusively, said a specialist.
In an interview with Efe, Adalberto Ramón González Astiazarán, a pediatric neurologist at the ABC Medical Center, stressed that children fed with maternal sine have a better performance in motor, cognitive and care skills both in early childhood and in school and adult stages.
“Studies show between 3% and 7% more performance in neurological tests in breastfed babies, even when populations are compared with socio -economic conditions and similar maternal ages,” said the expert, within the framework of the World Breastfeeding Week that is commemorated from August 1 to 7.
González Astiazarán explained that breast milk contains long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, neurotransmitters and hormonal factors that are essential for brain development, elements that are not found in the same proportion in dairy formulas.
“We can divide babies into three groups: those that are directly breastfed, those who receive extracted breast milk, and those that feed with formula. The greatest neurological benefit is observed in the first group,” he explained.
Beyond nutrition, the specialist stressed that breastfeeding reinforces the Madre-Bebé emotional bond and favors the development of nonverbal communication, affective codes and emotional security since the first months.
However, he acknowledged that in Mexico and Latin America multiple barriers persist that hinder exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Among them, he highlighted the work, socioeconomic, cultural and maternal health factors.
“The workplace is usually one of the main obstacles. Many mothers do not have adequate spaces to extract milk or cool it. Without these conditions, maintaining exclusive breastfeeding becomes unfeasible,” he warned.
The neurologist also pointed out that there is still misinformation about breastfeeding and myths that affect women’s decision.
“Sometimes there is rejection by the couple or fears on the impact on the body image of women, which has no scientific support,” he added.
González Astiazarán called on the health systems of the region to strengthen breastfeeding from a comprehensive, evidence -based approach.
“We need clear, sustained campaigns, with trained professionals, and above all, provide the necessary support to mothers so that they can exercise this right without obstacles,” he concluded.