Santo Domingo.– During the commemoration of World Breastfeeding Week, Hospiten Santo Domingo reaffirms its commitment to the promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding, a fundamental practice for the health and well-being of the baby, the mother, and the entire family.
Elena Conti, a specialist in perinatal psychoprophylaxis, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care at Hospiten Santo Domingo, highlights that this date remains a priority commemoration because, although its benefits are widely known, many mothers still face barriers that make it difficult to initiate and maintain successful breastfeeding.
“Breastfeeding is not just a way to feed a baby; it is an investment in their health, development, and well-being, as well as that of the entire family. To achieve a positive experience, mothers need adequate information, professional support, and an environment that supports them,” stated Conti.
Coti reported that, during the first months of life, breast milk provides all the nutrients the baby needs in the appropriate amount and proportion. It is easy to digest, promotes better tolerance, contains antibodies and immunological factors that help protect against respiratory, gastrointestinal, and ear infections, reduces the possibility of hypoglycemia, and strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child, promoting security and emotional well-being.
He said that, in the long term, breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, and some allergic and chronic diseases, as well as promoting cognitive development, learning, and the proper growth of the baby’s jaw, dentition, and orofacial musculature.
In the mother, breastfeeding promotes uterine contraction after childbirth, helping to reduce postpartum bleeding; it contributes to a faster physical recovery and can favor a gradual return to pre-pregnancy weight when accompanied by a balanced diet. Furthermore, it is associated with a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer, especially when maintained for prolonged periods.
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The specialist points out that many mothers abandon breastfeeding earlier than recommended due to a lack of information, the absence of timely advice, or erroneous beliefs.
“Among the most frequent myths are that breast size determines the amount of milk produced, that breastfeeding should always cause pain, that a baby who asks for the breast frequently is not being fed adequately, that it is necessary to wash the nipples before each feeding, or that colostrum is watery milk with no nutritional value,” mentioned Conti.
He said that breastfeeding is not the sole responsibility of the mother. “An environment that protects, promotes, and accompanies strengthens the process; while an environment that criticizes or is based on myths can make it difficult. The partner and the family can support by offering confidence, emotional accompaniment, help with baby care and household chores, facilitating the mother’s nutrition and hydration, respecting her decisions, and creating a calm environment.”
Likewise, he added that “employers have a fundamental role in respecting women’s labor rights, providing adequate spaces for breast milk expression, and avoiding unnecessary pressure related to breastfeeding.”
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About Hospiten
Hospiten is an international healthcare network with over 55 years of experience committed to providing top-quality service, featuring 20 private medical-hospital centers in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, and Panama, as well as 175 outpatient medical centers under the Clinic Assist brand. Founded by Dr. Pedro Luis Cobiella, it serves more than three million patients from all over the world annually and has a workforce of over 5,000 people, a level of care that will be strengthened in the Community of Madrid thanks to the construction of a general university hospital in Boadilla del Monte, which is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Hospiten Paitilla (Panama) is part of Hospiten. Founded in 1975, it has a prestigious group of professionals in all medical specialties and more than 600 employees. Currently, it offers a wide range of hospital facilities and technical, diagnostic, and therapeutic services.
