Tucuruí Polyclinic ensures guidance and support for breastfeeding

Holding the baby in your arms and noticing every gesture, every look, every sign of hunger is a unique moment that marks the first years of life. At the Lago de Tucuruí Polyclinic, a unit of the Government of the State of Pará, the pediatric team closely monitors mothers and babies, reinforcing the importance of breastfeeding for the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children.

Charlie Gomes, pediatrician and neonatologist of the unit, emphasizes that prenatal care is essential for the success of breastfeeding. “During consultations, the pregnant woman receives guidance on the importance of breastfeeding, correct latch techniques, positioning of the baby, signs of good sucking, and how to deal with possible initial difficulties. Additionally, it is a moment to identify and treat factors that may hinder breastfeeding, such as flat or inverted nipples, history of breast surgeries, and maternal clinical conditions,” he explains.

The start of breastfeeding, however, can bring challenges. “In the first weeks, it is common for the mother to face difficulties with the correct latch, which can cause pain and nipple fissures; breast engorgement; milk production still adjusting; maternal insecurity; lack of emotional or technical support; and physical fatigue, especially during nighttime feedings. Early guidance from a professional can prevent and treat these difficulties, ensuring the continuity of breastfeeding,” details Charlie.

The doctor warns that preparing the breasts during pregnancy, such as massages or friction, is no longer routinely recommended. “The most important thing is informational preparation: the mother should be guided on how breastfeeding works, how the baby should latch onto the areola and not just the nipple, how to identify signs of a good latch, and when to seek help. If there are anatomical changes in the nipples, these can be evaluated during prenatal care and monitored by a specialist,” he adds.

The benefits of breastfeeding for the baby are extensive. The neonatologist emphasizes that breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients up to six months, contains antibodies that protect against infections, strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child, contributes to cognitive development, and reduces future risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and some allergies.

In some cases, breastfeeding may need to be supplemented. “This occurs when there is insufficient weight gain, insufficient milk production, or specific medical conditions of the baby or mother. Supplementation should preferably be done with expressed breast milk or infant formula under pediatric guidance, always maintaining the encouragement of breastfeeding,” he advises.

Regarding the recommended duration, the specialist reminds: “Exclusive breastfeeding should occur until six months of age, without offering water, teas, or other foods. From six months onwards, healthy complementary feeding begins, while maintaining breastfeeding. Breastfeeding should be continued for at least two years, or as long as mother and child wish.”

At the Lago de Tucuruí Polyclinic, specialized follow-up allows mothers to feel secure and supported in this very important process. Every piece of guidance, every support offered, contributes to ensuring that the first years of life are filled with growth, health, and well-being.

Service:

The Lago de Tucuruí Polyclinic is a public and free unit, located at Avenida Raimundo Veridiano Cardoso, nº 1008, Santa Mônica neighborhood, Tucuruí (PA). It operates from Monday to Friday, from 7 am to 7 pm.

Appointments can be scheduled via WhatsApp Business at (91) 98521-5110 or by email at [email protected]. It is necessary to present ID, CPF, National SUS Card, and proof of residence; for children without ID, just the birth certificate and the mother's official documents are required.

Text by Roberta Paraense