Milk production occurs through a mechanism of supply and demand. The more the child latches onto a nipple and sucks, the more milk is produced. The mammary glands produce milk due to a hormone called prolactin that is produced by the pituitary gland. This allows every mother to produce enough breastmilk for her baby, assuming that there are no interferences. Doctors, obstetricians and nurses should support this natural function in every way possible. There are many reasons why infant formula is given so frequently to newborns, but they are extremely rarely related to the mother’s inability to produce milk, or to the health of the mother and child.
Scientific literature is full of studies that demonstrate the great benefits associated with breastfeeding, both for the child’s and mother’s health. It has also been demonstrated that if the mother is able to breastfeed her child in its first days of life, then it is highly probable that she will continue for many months.

Advice from Altroconsumo

- During pregnancy, learn more by consulting websites specifically focused on breastfeeding (lllitalia.org, mami.org, ibfanitalia.org) or by attending pre-natal courses.
- If possible, choose to give birth in one of the 22 Italian health institutions recognized by Unicef as “Ospedali amici dei bambini”. You will find a complete list on the website www.unicef.it.
- Before giving birth, clearly communicate to your gynaecologist or obstetrician your intention to hold your baby right after childbirth, with skin-to-skin contact, and that you want to breastfeed.
- Ask for help in the case of any difficulties. Keep in mind that breastfeeding is the right of every mother and child and that supporting and protecting breastfeeding is a duty for all of society.
- Be confident – every mother can produce sufficient milk for her baby.

In collaboration with

ACP - Associazione Culturale Pediatri