Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the best food your baby can have. It’s complete and balanced and provides all the nutrients they need. The World Health Organisation (WHO) in fact recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and continued breastfeeding after weaning, as long as the mother and baby wish and are able to do so, up to and beyond two years of age.

Breast milk changes in composition and consistency over time, and even from one feed to the next, adapting to the needs of the baby, a characteristic that makes it a unique and special food. Its benefits are long-lasting. The people who were breastfed as babies are generally more healthy overall.

Data collected from surveys carried out in Puglia show that only one in five women exclusively breastfeed during the first six months of the baby’s life. For this reason, the Region promotes breastfeeding through communication campaigns and by training social and health workers, who inform mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding, helping them make an informed decision.

Not everyone knows that breast milk can be donated. There are human milk banks, healthcare facilities that collect, test, store and distribute donated milk free of charge, which is the most effective substitute for breast milk. This milk is intended for premature babies, babies with medical complications, allergies or intolerances, or babies whose mothers are unable to breastfeed.

Milk banks in Puglia

If you are pregnant or have recently given birth, consider donating some of your breast milk. It can make a difference in the life of a newborn baby.

Local health authority (ASL)	Facility	Contact person	Contact info
Bari	Di Venere Divisione di Neonatologia	Marzia Tarantino	Telefono: 080 5015012 Email: marziatarantino@yahoo.com
Foggia	IRCCS Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Unità operativa Terapia intensiva neonatale di Neonatologia	Pasqua Anna Quitadamo	Telefono: 0882 410213 Email: pp.cristalli@gmail.com; pasquaq@tiscali.it

How breast milk changes

In the first few days after birth, the mammary glands produce colostrum, or first milk, a very thick yellow liquid that is a real concentrate of antibodies, vitamins and other substances that protect the newborn from disease. After a few days, milk production begins.

Colostrum first turns into transitional milk, a more watery, whitish liquid, and then into mature milk, which is clearer and whiter. Its composition also changes throughout the day: in the morning it is lighter and therefore more transparent, while in the evening it is rich in fat to ensure a better night's sleep for the baby and tends to be whiter in colour.

It is said that breast milk becomes water over time, but this is not the case. During the second year of a baby's life, the lactose content decreases and the protein, fat and substances that strengthen the immune system increase. During this period, babies begin to discover the world around them and need more protection. This is why breast milk adapts to provide what they need most.

The document is available exclusively in Italian

Mi nutro di te - Allattamento materno
pdf | 7.35 MB

Benefits for the mother

Besides promoting normal growth in newborns, breastfeeding is also good for mothers. Breastfeeding immediately after giving birth helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy shape and size, prevents haemorrhaging and facilitates the loss of excess weight gained during pregnancy.

The benefits of breastfeeding can also be seen in the long term. Women who breastfeed are less likely to develop breast and uterine cancer before the menopause and are less likely to suffer from osteoporosis in later life.

Cancer screening

Breast cancer prevention

Women who breastfeed are less likely to develop breast cancer. Don’t forget about cancer prevention.

Documents

Mi nutro di te - Allattamento materno
pdf | 7.35 MB

The document is available excusively in Italian

Breastfeeding Centers Map

Interactively discover where you can receive help on breastfeeding. Move from one icon to another and enjoy a continuous journey through the opportunities available for your health