Benefícios do aleitamento materno exclusivo durante os primeiros meses de vida do recém-nascido

The guarantee of Exclusive Breastfeeding until the ideal age is still an important challenge in Brazil. In this sense, there are several factors that are necessary in the early interruption of exclusive breastfeeding, from false information to difficulties in offering breast milk. However, it is up to health professionals to have full mastery of aspects related to the benefits of breast milk for the health and well-being of infants and nursing mothers for better assistance in their follow-up. As a result, a narrative literature review was undertaken, with emphasis on the main aspects and benefits of breast milk for infant health, based on 17 articles found in the Medline and SciELO databases. Studies that dealt with the purpose of the review were selected, based on the examination of the respective abstracts. From the review of selected studies, it was found that Exclusive Breastfeeding has benefits beyond the nutritional field and offers a lower risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and provides protection against different types of cancer to the mother. It was also discussed that Primary Health Care plays a key role in ensuring that infants receive breast milk for the ideal time. On the other hand, there are still obstacles in the promotion of quality breastfeeding, especially for mothers and infants in situations of greater social vulnerability, an aspect that must be considered in health care.