Transamazon Hospital promotes guidance on breastfeeding in Golden August
Action in Altamira reinforces the importance of exclusive breastfeeding until the baby is six months old
The Government of Pará, through the management of the Transamazon Regional Public Hospital (HRPT) in Altamira, promotes a series of educational activities on breastfeeding throughout the month of August. The initiative is part of the Golden August campaign and aims to clarify myths and reinforce the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age, according to the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The actions include lectures, discussion groups, and training sessions with hospitalized mothers and pregnant staff, conducted by multidisciplinary teams from the unit. The program seeks to demystify incorrect information and expand knowledge about breast milk as an essential food in the first months of a child's life.
Information and support from prenatal care
Exclusive breastfeeding was a topic that sparked the interest of young Deely Kelly even in her teenage years, although surrounded by doubts. Today, as the mother of little Ravi, a premature baby hospitalized in the HRPT Neonatal ICU, she experiences firsthand the care and guidance offered by the hospital team.
“Before pregnancy, I heard that breast milk didn't sustain the baby. Here at the Regional Hospital, they explained to me that it is essential for growth and development, especially in the case of premature babies. I also learned about the correct latch, manual expression, massage, and even how to burp him,” she reported.
Professionals clarify common myths about breastfeeding
Among the topics addressed during the Golden August actions are the myths surrounding breastfeeding. Nutritionist Aline Menezes, a specialist in child nutrition, listed the five main misconceptions:
“Weak milk doesn’t sustain the baby” – Myth. “There is no such thing as weak milk. Breast milk meets all the baby's needs until six months,” Aline states.
“Breastfeeding makes breasts sag” – Myth. According to the nutritionist, factors such as age, genetics, and number of pregnancies can interfere, but breastfeeding itself does not cause sagging.
“You can drink alcohol while breastfeeding” – Myth. “Not even one drink is safe. Alcohol passes to the baby through breast milk,” she warns.
“Formula milk replaces breast milk” – Myth. “No industrialized formula is equivalent to breast milk,” Aline reinforces.
“Early introduction of solid foods is beneficial” – Myth. The introduction of other foods should only begin after six months, always with professional guidance.
The three phases of breast milk
Nutritionist Erica Lopes from the HRPT Pediatric ICU explained that breast milk goes through three phases, each with specific functions for the baby's health:
Colostrum – Produced in the first days, it is rich in antibodies and known as the “first vaccine.”
Transitional Milk – Appears with a higher fat content, contributing to appropriate weight gain.
Mature Milk – Present from the tenth day, it provides all the necessary nutrients until six months, without the need for supplements.
Access to reliable information
In light of the amount of misinformation, health professionals emphasize the importance of seeking guidance from official sources. “Cultural issues have a significant influence. Therefore, it is our mission to raise awareness and encourage these mothers based on scientific evidence,” explained Erica Lopes.
Text: Rômulo D'Castro
