Desinformación sobre lactancia materna en contra de los derechos de la infancia y de las mujeres

A whole generation of breastfeeding mothers received advice about breastfeeding decades ago that was not based on scientific evidence: “breastfeed only every three hours”, “you will run out of milk”, “give them a bottle of formula with cereal and they will sleep better”. Although the World Health Organization and different scientific and professional societies currently have updated recommendations that contradict these myths, many breastfeeding mothers continue to receive this type of advice from health professionals that puts breastfeeding at risk and thus children continuing to receive the benefits that it entails. This text argues that these situations constitute a case of misinformation that violates the rights of patients, the best interests of the child and the reproductive rights of women. Therefore, it also argues that public authorities must promote professional training on breastfeeding as part of their obligations to protect human rights.