Breast milk provides the necessary nutrients for healthy growth, strengthens the immune system, and contributes to infant development. Although it is a natural process, breastfeeding is not always without challenges, and therefore, information, support, and a network of support are fundamental for this moment to be experienced with more security and confidence. 

At the Santos Dumont Institute (ISD), this date reinforces a permanent commitment to maternal and child health. Through educational initiatives, guidance for families, and multidisciplinary work, the Institute seeks to strengthen access to evidence-based information and contribute to ensuring that more women have the necessary support during their breastfeeding journey. 

Benefits of breastfeeding

Breast milk is considered the most complete food for the first months of life. Its composition adapts to the baby's needs at each stage of development, providing nutrients, antibodies, and other essential components for healthy growth. In addition to reducing the risk of infections, allergies, and other diseases, breastfeeding also promotes the child's cognitive and emotional development.

"Studies show that children exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life have a lower risk of illness in the first year, especially from respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Furthermore, breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of metabolic diseases throughout life," explains pediatrician Sabrina Machado, preceptor at ISD.

The benefits extend to the breastfeeding mother, contributing to postpartum recovery, reducing the risk of certain diseases, and strengthening the bond with the baby.

During breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, eye contact, and interaction foster the creation of an emotional connection between the baby and the breastfeeding mother. This bond, however, does not depend exclusively on breastfeeding: it is also strengthened through nurturing, presence, and the different forms of care that accompany the child's development. Breastfeeding strengthens bonds, but these bonds are built every day.

“It’s important that the mother also acknowledges her own feelings that arise from the challenges of this process: frustration and anxiety. We always talk about the function of breastfeeding for the baby, but a fundamental step in this bonding is taking care of mental health and all aspects of breastfeeding,” says Maria Dolores, preceptor psychologist at ISD.

Difficulties arise during the process.

Although breastfeeding is a physiological process, it can present challenges. Pain, nipple fissures, latching difficulties, breast engorgement, insecurity, fatigue, and the need to balance breastfeeding with other demands are part of the reality for many families.

These situations do not mean that breastfeeding should be interrupted or that the person is failing. In most cases, monitoring by qualified healthcare professionals can help identify difficulties, guide adjustments, and offer strategies to make this process more comfortable and safe.

Adelle Rayane is a first-time mother. Her son was born a little over a month ago. During this time, doubts arose about breastfeeding. "In the beginning, I had difficulty with the latch, but thank God I didn't have any cracks. In the postpartum period, we always have many doubts," she says.

The cashier has been monitored by the ISD's multidisciplinary team since prenatal care. In addition to routine appointments, she participates in groups aimed at guiding pregnant women and postpartum women on topics related to pregnancy and the first months of their babies' lives. One of these groups is Maternar. In the meetings, pregnant women and mothers ask questions and create connections that strengthen the maternal support network.

“Meetings like Maternar make all the difference, because here we receive guidance, have our questions answered, and exchange experiences. But it’s important to remember that each pregnancy and each motherhood is unique. Therefore, don’t put so much pressure on yourself and be patient,” says Adelle. 

In these group activities, healthcare professionals suggest small adjustments that can help with the breastfeeding process. Among the tips are: finding a comfortable position; bringing the baby closer to the breast, not the breast to the baby; checking that the baby's mouth is wide open before latching on; and avoiding interrupting suction by pulling directly on the baby.

Rights of a breastfeeding person

Supporting breastfeeding also involves guaranteeing rights. Brazilian legislation ensures a series of measures aimed at protecting breastfeeding mothers, such as maternity leave, breastfeeding breaks during the workday, the right to breastfeed in public places, and initiatives that encourage environments conducive to continued breastfeeding.

In Brazil, legislation provides for measures that seek to protect the health of the breastfeeding mother and baby, promoting the continuation of breastfeeding and the reconciliation of motherhood with other activities of daily life. 

• Maternity leave: Maternity leave guarantees a period of paid leave after the birth or adoption of a child, whether for postpartum recovery or childcare. In many situations, this period can be extended, according to legislation and the employment contract. 
• Breastfeeding breaks: Upon returning to work, the law provides for breaks so that breastfeeding mothers can breastfeed until their children are six months old. In some situations, this period may be extended upon medical recommendation, taking into account the child's needs. 

• Breastfeeding in public places: Breastfeeding is a right and cannot be prevented in public or private spaces with collective access. Several Brazilian states and municipalities have specific legislation prohibiting any form of coercion or impediment to breastfeeding in these environments. 

• Support is also a right: Every breastfeeding person has the right to receive guidance, support, and follow-up from healthcare professionals whenever they have questions or difficulties. Seeking help is part of self-care.

Golden August

Celebrated between August 1st and 7th, World Breastfeeding Week mobilizes health institutions, professionals, and society to promote awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and encourage practices that support mothers, babies, and their families. The initiative is part of Golden August, a campaign dedicated to promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding throughout the month.

About ISD

The Santos Dumont Institute (ISD) is a Social Organization of the Federal Executive Branch, supervised by the Ministry of Education, with the intervention of the Ministry of Sport. It encompasses the Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience and the Anita Garibaldi Center for Education and Research in Health, both located in Macaíba. The ISD's mission is to promote education for life, forming citizens through integrated teaching, research, and outreach activities, as well as contributing to a more just and humane transformation of Brazilian social reality.