EL ABANDONO DE LA LACTANCIA MATERNA EXCLUSIVA Y EL USO DE FÓRMULAS LÁCTEAS

Abstract

Introduction: Breast milk is an ideal food for infants, providing an ideal mix of nutrients and antibodies essential for their development and health. In addition to strengthening the immune system, it fosters the emotional bond between mother and child, benefits that milk formulas cannot fully replicate, even though they are designed to mimic the composition of breast milk. However, various circumstances, such as health, social and economic problems, lead many mothers to opt for this alternative. This research topic is crucial to understand the factors that influence the decision to use formulas and their impact on infant and maternal health. In addition, it is fundamental to address issues of social and economic inequalities that may influence mothers' choice. Methodology: A literature search was carried out in reliable databases such as Redalyc, Scielo, PubMed, Elsevier, in Spanish and English in the last 5 years, including bibliographic reviews, systematic reviews, postgraduate theses, original scientific articles, as well as official WHO and UNICEF pages, and excluding undergraduate theses, monographs, forums and abstracts. Conclusion: Breastfeeding offers a number of benefits and is the only complete food that the child should receive, however, despite these advantages, the use of milk formulas as a replacement for breast milk is increasing, despite the fact that it cannot fully replicate breast milk.