More than half of newborns do not receive breast milk in the first hour of life

If there is a key moment in the life of a newborn, that is what happens from the moment he arrives in this world until an hour later. It is here when the Breastfeeding is more important than ever, because in these first 60 seconds of life It transfers nutrients and key antibodies to the baby to protect it, in addition to favoring skin-to-skin contact with the mother.

Knowing the importance of lactation in the first minutes of life, it is not surprising the alert launched by Unicef: in the world more than half of newborns do not receive breast milk in its first hours in this world, which makes them exposed to risk of diseases and even death. In this context, the Sub-Saharan Africa It is an area of ​​special concern.


Unicef ​​explains that delaying breastfeeding between 2 and 23 hours after delivery increases the risk of neonatal death by 40%, while delaying it by 24 hours or more does so by 80%. That is, this is directly related to the various studies that have shown that half of the under-fives who die in the world are newborns.

Breastfeeding in the world

For UNICEF, early breastfeeding is essential. However, the international organization regrets that, every year, 77 million babies They do not receive breast milk in the first hour of life in the world. This is more than half of the newborns, because annually about 130 million babies are born.


"Breastfeeding is the first baby vaccine, the first and best protection against all diseases, "explains France Bégin, UNICEF Nutrition Counsel." Extending the wait for the baby's first external contact with his mother reduces the chances of survival, affects milk production in the mother and reduces the possibility of starting exclusive breastfeeding ", sentence, according to Reuters.

The promotion of early breastfeeding

Unicef ​​has explained how it has carried out an intense work of promotion of early lactation. This process has been slow and has focused especially on Sub-Saharan Africa, where mortality in children under five is higher.

Thanks to awareness-raising work, Unicef ​​says that early breastfeeding has increased to 60% or in 2015. A considerable increase if we take into account that in 2000 it was 51% or in Eastern and Southern Africa . Of course, in the West and Central Africa have not experienced growth.


Another area of ​​concern for UNICEF is South Asia, although here too the percentage has increased: it has tripled since 2000. However, there is still much to be done: Unicef ​​estimates that there are 21 million newborns who do not receive every year breast milk in the first hour of life.

Benefits of breastfeeding

And is that breastfeeding has multiple benefits stop the baby. Breastfeeding the newborn is a good decision because it is proven that breast milk has positive effects on the little ones. Here are some of them:

1. It is the most suitable and natural for the baby

2. It adapts at all times to the needs of the child.

3. It is a good protection against infections.

4. Mother's milk is always prepared and at the right temperature for consumption by the baby.

5. Breastfeeding increases intelligence of the newborn

6. Achieve greater emotional link between the mother and the son.

In addition, not only the child benefits from breastfeeding. As well Mother receives important help to recover after childbirth since breastfeeding favors the release of oxytocin It helps to contract the uterus more quickly, so that the loss of blood after delivery is less. In addition, women who have breast-fed have a lower risk of breast cancer.

Damián Montero

It may interest you:

- Breastfeeding is worth it

- 3 keys to breastfeeding

- Breastfeeding increases baby's intelligence

- Breast milk during lactation

Video: 16 Facts about Months 1 through 3 | Baby Development


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