In this article, we will explore in depth the benefits of breastfeeding, best practices, and how BRUDYLAB products can complement this experience for both mother and baby.

1. Introduction

Breastfeeding goes beyond the act of feeding. It is a complex experience where nutrition, immunology, cognitive development, and emotional bonding converge.

During the first months of life, breast milk acts as a living food that adapts to the changing needs of the baby, providing antibodies when sick, adjusting its composition according to the time of day and even varying according to the sex of the newborn.

This article delves into the lesser-known aspects of breastfeeding: from the biochemistry of colostrum to practical strategies for combining breast and bottle feeding without compromising milk production. We’ll also see how certain supplements and specialized products—like those from BRUDYLAB—can complement this process when circumstances require it.

Why is breastfeeding so important?

Because it lays the foundation for the immune system, influences long-term cognitive development, and significantly reduces the risk of chronic diseases in both mother and child. It’s not just about the first few months: the effects of breastfeeding extend for years.

2. Benefits of breastfeeding

2.1. Nutritional: more than just calories

Breast milk is not a static liquid. Its composition varies with each feeding, adapting to the baby’s immediate needs. Colostrum, that first thick, yellowish milk, contains very high concentrations of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that coats the newborn’s intestine, protecting it from pathogens.

As the days go by, mature milk incorporates:

• High biological value proteins with essential amino acids in exact proportions
• Specific lipids such as arachidonic acid (ARA) and DHA are essential for neuronal myelination.
• Oligosaccharides (more than 200 types identified) that act as prebiotics, feeding the baby’s gut microbiota

The case of DHA

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) deserves special mention. This omega-3 fatty acid makes up 40% of the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brain and 60% in the retina. Breastfed infants show significantly higher levels of DHA in their plasma than those fed standard formula.

When a mother’s diet is deficient in oily fish—the main source of DHA—the concentration in her breast milk can decrease. This is where supplements specifically formulated for breastfeeding mothers come into play.

BrudyLactancia provides vitamins, minerals and Tridocosahexaenoine-AOX® (DHA from concentrated fish oil), while BrudyDHA 1200 offers a higher concentration for cases requiring higher doses of DHA.

In both cases, Brudy’s DHA comes from purified sources, avoiding the risk of heavy metals present in fish, maintaining optimal DHA levels without resorting to megadoses.

Among others, tuna is a predatory oily fish that can accumulate a large amount of DHA in its fat.

Vitamins: the delicate balance

Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) depend directly on maternal reserves. Vitamin D, for example, is notoriously low in breast milk if the mother does not take supplements or does not receive enough sun exposure.

That is why many pediatricians recommend vitamin D drops for breastfed babies.

Water-soluble vitamins (B complex, vitamin C) are better regulated, although mothers on restrictive diets may need supplementation. A B12 deficiency, common in strict vegetarians, can irreversibly affect the baby’s neurological development if not detected early.

2.2. Immunological: the first line of defense

Breast milk functions like a personalized vaccine. It contains maternal antibodies (mainly secretory IgA) that recognize pathogens in the baby’s immediate environment.

If the mother comes into contact with a virus, her immune system generates specific antibodies that are passed on to the baby at the next feeding.

But protection goes beyond antibodies:

Lactoferrin: binds to iron, making it inaccessible to pathogenic bacteria that need it to multiply. It also directly damages bacterial membranes.

Lysozyme: an enzyme that destroys bacterial cell walls. Its concentration increases progressively during lactation, reaching its peak after 6 months.

Oligosaccharides: act as decoys, binding to pathogen receptors and preventing them from adhering to the intestinal epithelium.

The available scientific evidence indicates that babies exclusively breastfed for 6 months have up to 72% fewer hospitalizations for respiratory infections and 64% fewer episodes of gastroenteritis compared to formula-fed babies (data from meta-analyses published in leading pediatric journals).

A newborn’s immune system is immature. Breast milk compensates for this immaturity by providing components the baby cannot yet produce: live immune cells (macrophages, lymphocytes), modulating cytokines, and growth factors that accelerate intestinal maturation. During the first six months, this external support is crucial.

2.3. Emotional: the invisible bond

The benefits of breastfeeding go beyond the physiological. Each feeding releases oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, in both mother and baby.

This hormone, in addition to facilitating milk ejection, reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promotes attachment behaviors.

Skin-to-skin contact after birth for at least 2 hours is very important for establishing breastfeeding; it also regulates the baby’s temperature, stabilizes their blood sugar, and synchronizes their heart and respiratory rhythms with the mother’s.

Mothers who breastfeed show a lower incidence of postpartum depression (not to be confused with the emotional lability common after childbirth). Although the causal relationship is not entirely clear—it is possible that mothers with a lower predisposition to depression breastfeed more successfully—it is known that prolonged breastfeeding is associated with a better response to maternal stress and greater sensitivity to the baby’s cues.

For the child, the breast not only calms hunger: it regulates emotions, relieves pain (breast milk contains natural endorphins), provides a constant sensory refuge in an overwhelming world; the breast represents security.

3. Breastfeeding positions

An inadequate, shallow latch, in which the baby does not move the nipple to his soft palate; due either to poor breastfeeding technique, or to anatomical problems of the baby (Ankyloglossia), causes 90% of breastfeeding problems: cracks, pain, mastitis, low weight gain of the baby.

The correct position is not a matter of aesthetics but of biomechanics: the baby must be able to extract milk efficiently without damaging the breast tissue.

3.1. Classic positions that work

Cradle: the baby rests on the mother’s forearm, with the head in the wrist area (never in the elbow) facilitating a hyperextension of the neck and therefore a greater opening of its jaw to facilitate an optimal grip

This technique works best when both mother and baby are already experienced. Initially, the baby may sit too low, causing the mother to slouch, so it’s crucial to ensure the mother maintains a correct posture, avoiding any tension that could lead to muscle strain. Use cushions and specific supports for the back, neck, elbows, etc., to help.

Cross-cradle hold: Similar to the previous hold, but supporting the baby with the arm opposite the breast being fed from, placing the hand high on the neck between the ears, allows for greater control of the newborn’s head and facilitates a deep latch. Ideal for small babies or those with sucking difficulties.

Rugby or ball hold: the baby’s body is positioned to one side of the mother, under her arm, with their feet pointing towards the mother’s back. Especially useful after a cesarean section (it doesn’t put pressure on the incision) or with twins (they can be breastfed simultaneously).

Side-lying position: mother and baby lie side by side, navel to navel, with the baby’s nose at the level of the nipple of the breast to be breastfed from. This position allows for rest during nighttime feedings. If co-sleeping is practiced, certain safety precautions must be taken (firm bed, no pillows near the baby, do not overcover the baby, and the mother must not be under the influence of sleep medication and must not smoke). This position promotes prolonged breastfeeding by reducing maternal fatigue.

3.2. Alternatives for specific situations

Biological position: the mother reclines backward, the baby lies face down on her torso. Gravity helps the baby stabilize, and the baby finds the breast using primitive reflexes. Very effective with fussy babies or in cases of overactive let-down reflex (milk comes out too forcefully).

Horsey position: the baby sits astride the mother’s leg, facing her. Useful for babies with reflux, cleft palate, ankyloglossia, or hypotonia (babies with Down syndrome) who need greater head control.

3.3. Nursing pillows: are they really necessary?

It depends. A well-designed nursing pillow raises the baby to breast height without the mother having to bend her neck or strain her shoulders. This prevents neck and back strain, which are common after several weeks of breastfeeding.

4. Breastfeeding with a bottle (or delayed breastfeeding)

Exclusive breastfeeding, directly at the breast, is not always possible or desirable. True hypogalactia (insufficient milk production), poor breastfeeding technique or incorrect professional advice, early return to work, incompatible medical treatments (very few are truly incompatible), or simply physical exhaustion can lead to the introduction of bottle-feeding.

Doing so without sabotaging breastfeeding requires strategy.

4.1. How to combine breastfeeding and bottle-feeding (or mixed feeding)

The main risk is confusion in the baby’s sucking technique to obtain milk.

It’s not that the baby gets literally confused, but rather that he learns that milk flows from the bottle with less effort, due to gravity, since the teat releases liquid with a very superficial suction, unlike breastfeeding which requires a milking motion with the tongue, compressing the areola area against the palate.

Strategies that minimize conflict:

• Slow flow teats with a wide base, soft teat and anatomical shape combined with positions that force the baby to open their mouth wide, hyperextending the neck.
• Paced feeding or kassing method: hold the bottle horizontally to the baby’s mouth, stimulate the baby to search for milk beforehand, and pause every 15-20 sucks; this prevents the baby from becoming accustomed to a continuous flow of milk and maintains the biomechanics of breastfeeding, which greatly benefits craniofacial development in the baby.
• Maintain regular expression: even if the baby is bottle-fed, the mother should express milk regularly every 3-4 hours to maintain demand signals to the mammary gland and prevent a decrease in milk production.

The ideal time to introduce a bottle (if you plan to do so) is between weeks 4 and 6, when breastfeeding is well established but the baby is still flexible. Before this time, during the “oral imprinting period,” it can trigger nipple confusion, where babies may lose interest or the ability to suckle directly at the breast. Much later, some babies will completely reject any bottle.

4.2. Mixed feeding: the real middle ground

We call the combination of breast milk and formula mixed feeding. It can be a temporary solution (while milk production recovers) or a permanent one (when production does not meet all needs).

Many mothers are tempted to offer formula first “to fill the baby up” and then the breast. This is a mistake: it further reduces breast stimulation and lowers milk production.

The recommended protocol is:

1. Offer both breasts, ensuring proper emptying.
2. If, even so, the baby is still really hungry, supplement with formula, administering it in the manner mentioned above, to interfere as little as possible.
3. Assess every 3-4 days if the amount of supplement can be reduced. If the baby is satisfied and will refuse the bottle, and if there is adequate weight gain, we can maintain this reduction in supplementation until it is discontinued if desired.

When does mixed feeding make sense?

• Low birth weight babies, premature babies, babies with heart conditions, orofacial malformations or other illnesses (hypoglycemia or jaundice) in which direct breastfeeding may compromise the baby’s health (for example, babies with heart conditions tire easily while breastfeeding and their oxygen levels drop) or who need to gain weight quickly
• Mothers with insufficient milk production (primary or secondary hypogalactia) that does not respond to usual measures
• Severe nipple damage
• Temporary cessation of breastfeeding due to force majeure (illness, accidents…)
• Previous surgical interventions for breast augmentation or reduction that have damaged ducts or glandular tissue.
• Situations of extreme stress where pressure for exclusive breastfeeding worsens maternal mental health

Let’s not mythologize: a formula-fed baby and a mentally stable mother is a better scenario than exclusive breastfeeding with a mother on the verge of collapse.

4.3. The topic of pacifiers

The official recommendation is to avoid pacifiers for at least the first six weeks of a baby’s life, if possible, until breastfeeding is well established. After that, the evidence is less clear. Studies that link pacifier use with early weaning often confuse correlation with causation: mothers with breastfeeding difficulties resort to pacifiers, not the other way around.

What has been proven is that pacifier use reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in bottle-fed babies. The mechanism is not fully understood, but the protection is significant.

Breastfeeding itself is already a protective measure against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), so the introduction of a pacifier should be assessed on an individual basis.

It’s worth noting that the use of pacifiers or bottle nipples raises concerns about the potential long-term developmental repercussions for infants. Several studies have examined these effects, shedding light on the possible impacts on children’s oral health and language development.

Sensible guidelines:

• Wait until breastfeeding is well established (4-6 weeks minimum)
• Offer the pacifier only after making sure the baby is not hungry
• Choose orthodontic models that respect orofacial development, a narrow teat of the smallest size, do not increase the size as the baby grows, ideally maintain size 0-2.
• Don’t insist if the baby rejects it; many babies don’t need it.

5. Preservation of breast milk

A mother who regularly expresses breast milk handles a complex biological product that can maintain or lose properties depending on how it is stored. It’s not just about preventing spoilage; it’s about preserving fragile immunological components.

5.1. Extraction methods: manual vs. electric

Manual extraction

It is a very simple technique and once you lose your fear of it, it allows you to get to know the mammary gland thoroughly and solve situations where it is not possible to have a breast pump.

To improve milk expression, the Marmet technique (a manual compression method developed by consultant Chele Marmet) is recommended. It requires no equipment and is useful for relieving engorgement, increasing milk production in a more controlled manner, and helping to manage excessive milk production, among other benefits.

It is very important to emphasize that this is the ideal method when you want or need to express milk without overstimulating the gland, avoiding possible overproduction that could lead to later complications.

Breast pumping

• Electric breast pumps: the most widely used standard, they are comfortable and practical. The market offers a wide variety: wireless, corded, battery-operated, hands-free… single or double.
  Double pumping models reduce pumping time by half and better maintain milk production by increasing stimulation. They are typically used in hospitals when a faster increase or induction of lactation is needed (premature babies, hospitalized infants, low milk supply, etc.).
• Manual breast pumps: Most are lever-operated; when compressed, a vacuum is created that performs the extraction. There is a new range of manual breast pumps that are based on the vacuum process in the breast: it is placed inside the bra and the vacuum generated facilitates the extraction.

Keys to efficient extraction:

• Do it at the same time every day (the body anticipates and prepares for ejaculation)
• Relaxed environment: look at photos of the baby, smell their clothes, listen to a recorded cry (yes, it works)
• Properly sized breast shield: If your nipple rubs against the rim, it causes friction, pain, reduced milk flow, and a lot of frustration.
  To find the right size: Measure the front of your nipple and add 2 mm.
  • Up to 17mm – Size 21
  • Up to 20mm – Size 24
  • Up to 20mm – Size 24
  • Up to 26mm – Size 30
• Do not prolong the pumping process for more than 15-20 minutes on each breast. Keep in mind that more frequent, short pumping sessions are more effective than fewer, longer pumping sessions.

5.2. Storage: Preserve without killing

Breast milk is a living fluid containing active immune cells. Freezing preserves most nutrients but reduces the activity of some immunological components. Therefore, fresh milk is preferred whenever possible.

Rule of 4 (based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and milk banks):

• 4 hours at room temperature (20-25°C)
• 4 days in the refrigerator (4°C or less, at the back, not in the door)
• 4 months in a standard freezer (-18°C)

Things to keep in mind:

• Milks at different temperatures cannot be mixed for storage (if we have milk in the refrigerator and freshly expressed milk, we will wait until both are cold before mixing and freezing).
• Thawed milk should be used within 24 hours and never refrozen.
• When defrosting, you can either submerge it in hot water off the heat or under running hot tap water, or leave it in the refrigerator overnight. The main problem with this method is that it can activate the lipase in the milk, giving it a peculiar taste that some babies may reject.
• Never use a microwave: it creates hot spots that can burn the baby and destroys enzymes.
• Milk that has been heated but not consumed cannot be reheated.
• If the milk has been in contact with the baby’s saliva, it should be discarded between 30 minutes and 1 hour later.

Appropriate containers:

• Specific bags for breast milk (BPA-free, airtight, labelable) are for single use only.
• Food-grade glass or polypropylene containers.
• Ice cube trays can be a good option in a pinch, as they allow you to defrost small amounts until you can control the actual amount you’ll need per serving.
• Small containers (60-120 ml) to avoid waste

Why does the fat separate? It’s normal. Breast milk is not homogenized like cow’s milk. Gently shaking before use redistributes the lipids.

5.3. Duration and signs of deterioration

Freshly expressed breast milk smells sweet, almost like vanilla. Over time, lipases (enzymes that digest fats) remain active and can give it a soapy or rancid smell. This doesn’t mean it’s spoiled: it’s still safe and nutritious, although some babies may refuse it.

If lipase is very active and the baby refuses thawed milk, fresh milk can be scalded (heated to 60°C for a few seconds) to inactivate the enzyme before freezing. This sacrifices some immunoglobulins but preserves palatability.

Actual signs of deterioration:

• Intense sour smell, like rotten cow’s milk
• Separation that does not reintegrate upon shaking
• Lumps or viscous texture

If in doubt, test a drop on your lip. If it tastes acidic or unpleasant, discard it.

6. Supplements and nutrition during breastfeeding

Breastfeeding requires an extra 300-500 calories per day. But it’s not just about quantity: the quality of the mother’s diet influences the composition of the milk, especially the fatty acid profile and water-soluble vitamins.

6.1. Supplements to strengthen the immune system

An exhausted mother with nutritional deficiencies produces milk in sufficient quantities, but her own immunity and gut microbiota may be compromised, increasing the risk of infections (including mastitis) and directly affecting the baby.

Supplements with solid evidence

• Vitamin D: almost universal in areas with long winters or little sun exposure. Daily doses of 2000-4000 IU significantly increase levels in breast milk.
• Omega-3 (DHA/EPA): If you do not consume 2-3 weekly servings of oily fish, supplementation maintains optimal levels without risk of heavy metals.
• Specific probiotics: strains such as Lactobacillus fermentum or L. salivarius can help in the management of subacute mastitis, especially when antibiotic treatment is involved. They would also complement the baby’s gut microbiota.
  These probiotic strains, supported by the aforementioned supplements, stand out for their ability to support the health of the mother and infant, primarily by supplementing the microbiota, reducing infections, and modulating the immune response.

BrudyLactancia is a multivitamin-mineral supplement specifically for the breastfeeding period that includes:

• DHA (using concentrated fish oil Tridocosahexaenoine-AOX®)
• Complete B complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B9/folic acid, B12)
• Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D3, E)
• Vitamin C (as Calcium L-Ascorbate)
• Essential minerals: calcium, magnesium, iron (as ferrous fumarate), zinc, selenium (L-selenomethionine), iodine, copper, manganese

The formulation considers nutritional synergies: iron is accompanied by vitamin C to optimize its absorption, and DHA is complemented with vitamin E as antioxidant protection.

The dosages respect the safety limits established for the breastfeeding period. Gluten and dairy free.

6.2. Foods that truly make a difference

Beyond supplements, certain foods contain particularly important nutrients:

Oats: They contain beta-glucans that stimulate prolactin. It’s not a myth: many mothers notice an increase in milk production after regularly including oats in their diet.

Nuts (especially walnuts and almonds): provide fatty acids, vitamin E, magnesium, and high-quality protein. The classic handful between meals makes perfect sense.

Dark green leafy vegetables: calcium, iron, folic acid. Bioavailability varies (spinach contains oxalates that bind minerals) but by adding variety, you can get enough.

Legumes: vegetable protein, fiber, B vitamins. Fiber feeds your microbiota which in turn modulates that of the baby through the milk.

Hydration: There’s no need to obsess over drinking extra liters, but you should respond to your thirst (which increases during milk ejection). The color of your urine is a better indicator than counting glasses.

6.3. Galactagogues: myth or reality?

Fenugreek, milk thistle, brewer’s yeast… They have been used for centuries. Scientific evidence is scarce (few randomized trials) but empirical experience and some small studies suggest a moderate effect.

What we know:

• The placebo effect in breastfeeding is powerful: believing that something works reduces stress, stress inhibits oxytocin, less stress = better let-down.
• Some compounds (such as the phytoestrogens in fenugreek) have biological plausibility.
• No galactagogue can replace frequent and effective extraction/suction.

Consult your healthcare professional before starting any supplements while breastfeeding.

7. Newborn care and child development

The first few months are a critical period where patterns are established that can persist for years. Breastfeeding, sleep, attachment… everything is intertwined in a complex system where small interventions have amplified effects.

7.1. Routines: structure vs. flexibility

Absolute demand without limit

It can lead to maternal exhaustion if the baby wants to breastfeed every hour for comfort, not because of hunger. Identify two types of sucking: Nutritive and Non-nutritive (incorrectly called mother/pacifier), both types of sucking are important both for the breastfeeding process to work correctly and for the orofacial development of the baby

Rigid schedules every 3-4 hours

They ignore the fact that babies have growth spurts where they need to eat more frequently. Forcing long intervals between feedings can compromise weight gain because it disrupts the balance between demand and milk production.

The sensible middle ground

• Respecting the baby’s hunger signals (searching with the mouth, sucking hands, restlessness) and always attending to these early signs will make feeding easier and calmer; if on the contrary we wait for crying, it may be more difficult for the baby to calm down and be able to have a good feed.
• Observe patterns: most babies develop some spontaneous regularity around 6-8 weeks.
• Distinguish hunger from other needs: not all crying is solved with breastfeeding, the baby may be cold, have a wet diaper, be nervous….
• You can try to establish at least one 4-5 hour sleep block (usually at night). But the wisest approach is to respect the baby’s physiological sleep development.

Maintaining adequate levels of magnesium and B vitamins can contribute to better sleep quality during available sleep hours. BrudyLactancia includes these micronutrients in its formula.

7.2. Evolution of maternal and child care

Decades ago, medical advice was rigid: strict schedules, not picking up a crying baby (“it will spoil them”), timed breastfeeding. Current evidence disproves almost all of that.

Science-based changes:

• Skin-to-skin contact: no longer just after childbirth, it’s recommended daily for the first few months. It regulates temperature and heart rate, as well as reducing cortisol.
• Ergonomic babywearing: keeping the baby close in a suitable baby carrier promotes on-demand breastfeeding, and also frees up the mother’s hands for better care or additional routines.
• Safe co-sleeping: although controversial, when done correctly (firm surface, no pillows near the baby, mother not smoking or under the influence of substances, avoiding extreme exhaustion) facilitates nighttime breastfeeding and contributes to rest for both.

Current care integrates neuroscience (we better understand how attachment is formed), immunology (we know that chronic stress affects the baby’s immunity) and perinatal psychology (we recognize risk factors for maternal depression).

8. Special considerations

8.1. Alcohol and breastfeeding: evidence and risk reduction guidelines

The official recommendation is to avoid alcohol completely. The reality is more nuanced.

What we know:

Alcohol passes into breast milk at the same concentration as in the blood; this can make the baby lethargic and not eat.

Peak levels are reached 30-60 minutes after ingestion (on an empty stomach) or 60-90 minutes (with food). Avoid breastfeeding for 2 hours for every 10-12 grams of alcohol consumed.

Don’t co-sleep with your baby if you’ve been drinking; let someone else take care of it.

It is eliminated at the same rate as from the blood: a 60 kg woman metabolizes approximately 1 unit of alcohol (one beer, one glass of wine) in 2-3 hours

Risk reduction strategies:

• Breastfeeding right before consuming alcohol
• Pumping and discarding breast milk does NOT speed up alcohol elimination (this is a myth), but it can relieve engorgement if a long time has passed.
• Babies under 3 months metabolize alcohol more slowly; use extra caution with newborns.

Breastfeeding does not require absolute abstinence from alcohol for months, but it does require planning and common sense.

Moderate occasional consumption (one drink at a celebration) with appropriate waiting times carries minimal risk.

Regular consumption or episodes of intensive consumption do compromise the baby’s safety.

8.2. Other critical factors

Medication: Most medications are compatible with breastfeeding, but many doctors recommend discontinuing it due to a lack of knowledge. Resources such as e-lactancia.org (updated by pediatricians at Marina Alta Hospital) allow you to verify the actual compatibility of almost any active ingredient.

Tobacco: The main problem is the risk to the baby from tobacco smoke, and not so much the substances that can reach the baby through breast milk. It has been shown that children of smoking mothers have a higher risk of suffering from ear infections, asthma, bronchitis… Nicotine that passes into the milk can cause irritability, colic, and reduce milk production.

But even when smoking, breastfeeding is still better than formula (it provides antibodies that partially compensate for the damage).
Ideally: don’t smoke. Realistically: if you can’t quit, reduce it to a minimum, smoke after feedings, and wait at least 2 hours before breastfeeding. Never smoke near the baby; it’s best to smoke outside or on the balcony. Wash your hands, face, and teeth thoroughly before holding the baby.
Do not co-sleep with the baby if you have smoked

Stress and maternal mental health: chronically elevated cortisol can inhibit milk ejection (oxytocin is not released adequately). It’s not that the mother “doesn’t have milk”; it’s that stress blocks its release. This involves pharmacological strategies (if clinical depression is present), adaptogenic supplements (Rhodiola, Ashwagandha) available in formulations specifically for breastfeeding, after consultation with a healthcare professional, and, fundamentally, social support and rest.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice.

9. A natural process that requires support

9.1. Demystify without devaluing

Breastfeeding is natural, physiological, and a cornerstone in the development and evolution of our species; but it is not necessarily easy.

We have lost the female role models who for decades taught and supported the breastfeeding process in a community setting, with mothers, grandmothers, and sisters who were breastfeeding or had been breastfeeding; they have been replaced by more solitary motherhood, without these role models, and if there are professionals who are poorly trained in the subject, everything becomes more difficult.

In this context, expecting every mother to breastfeed without difficulty is an unrealistic approach that can lead to frustration and compromise the well-being of both mother and baby.

Realities that must be accepted:

• Approximately only 1-5% of women have true primary hypogalactia (insufficient production due to anatomical or endocrine reasons).
• Another 15-20% experience serious difficulties that, without adequate support, lead to early weaning.
• Pain in the first few weeks is common and has become socially normalized, but it is not physiological: it usually indicates a shallow latch that can be corrected with the help of a breastfeeding professional (midwife).
• Social pressure (“if you really want to, you can”) ignores real medical, work-related, and psychological factors.
• Lack of medical professionals who are truly experts in breastfeeding.

The role of strategic supplementation: BRUDYLAB products offer nutritional and immune support where scientific evidence demonstrates common deficiencies. A well-nourished mother, with optimal levels of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, is more likely to maintain successful breastfeeding than an exhausted and deficient mother.

9.2. When to seek professional help

Don’t wait until you’re at your breaking point. Midwives and certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) can identify and correct problems that a general pediatrician might miss:

• A tongue-tie that limits proper tongue function, making it difficult to latch on and suck (ankyloglossia), can lead to numerous complications for both the mother (cracks, blisters, milk pearls, mastitis, abscesses…) and the baby (gas, regurgitation, poor weight gain, irritability, future orofacial, dental, postural problems, etc.) and should be checked by an expert.
• Facial and/or mandibular asymmetries that prevent a good grip and proper mouth opening
• Hyperactive ejection reflex, overproduction, or secondary hypogalactia.
• Infections such as mastitis, cracked nipples, blockages, milk blisters, inflammation, engorgement, pricking sensations…

Investing in the right specialists helps solve problems that, without intervention, would lead to the abandonment of breastfeeding.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

10.1. How long should I breastfeed?

The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, continued with complementary feeding thereafter until at least 2 years of age.

But every mother-baby dyad is different. Some babies wean themselves spontaneously at one year old; others continue to breastfeed until they are 3 or 4 years old. There is no universal “correct” duration. The right time to wean is when the mother or baby (or both) no longer wish to continue.

10.2. How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

Reliable signals:

• Gains weight appropriately (regains birth weight in 10-14 days, then about 150-200g per week for the first few months)
• Wets 6-8 diapers daily with clear urine
• He/She has regular bowel movements (at least 3-4 daily for the first month)
• Active and reactive when awake
• Calm and relaxed during the shots
• Smooth, non-dehydrated skin, cries with tears, mucous membranes pink and moist

What is NOT a reliable indicator: the baby asks for the breast very frequently (it could be growth or comfort), the breasts seem empty (production adjusts in real time), the feeds are very short or too long (each baby has their own pattern).

10.3. Does breastfeeding prevent allergies?

Yes, but with some nuances. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 4-6 months reduces the risk of food allergies, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. The oligosaccharides in breast milk modulate intestinal immune tolerance, teaching the immune system not to overreact to food proteins.

However, if there is a strong family history of allergies, breastfeeding alone does not guarantee complete prevention. It is a protective factor, not an absolute barrier.

10.4. Can I breastfeed if I have breast implants?

Generally, yes. It depends on the surgical technique. If the incision was periareolar (around the nipple), there is a greater risk of damage to ducts and nerves. If it was inframammary or axillary, there is less chance of interference.

Most women with implants can breastfeed, although some experience reduced milk production. Modern cohesive silicone implants do not release substances into breast milk in significant quantities.

10.5. Does breast size influence production?

No. Breast size depends on adipose tissue, not the number of alveoli (milk-producing structures or glandular tissue). Small breasts can have the same milk production capacity as large breasts. What does vary is storage capacity: large breasts can space out feedings more because they retain more milk; small breasts require more frequent emptying, but total daily production is equivalent.

10.6. Do BRUDYLAB supplements interfere with regular medication?

BRUDYLAB products are safe and have not been shown to interact with common medications (contraceptives, pain relievers, antihypertensives). However, it is always advisable to consult your doctor before adding any supplement.

10.7. What is the Marmet Technique?

The Marmet Technique is a manual method of expressing breast milk developed by Chele Marmet, a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). It combines massage and rhythmic pressure on the areola to stimulate the let-down reflex and facilitate milk flow without the need for a breast pump.

Avoid negative pressure on the nipple, which is helpful in cases of cracks or pain during breastfeeding.

10.8. Can I breastfeed with mastitis?

Not only can you, but you must. Emptying the breast regularly is an essential part of treatment. The milk is not contaminated and the baby can drink it without any problem, although sometimes they refuse that breast because the infection makes the milk taste saltier (the infection is in the breast tissue, not in the milk). Stopping breastfeeding increases the risk of breast abscess and systemic complications.

If mastitis does not improve within 24-48 hours with frequent emptying, probiotics, and pain relievers, an antibiotic compatible with breastfeeding is needed.

10.9. What should I do if my baby suddenly refuses the breast?

“Breastfeeding strikes” (sudden refusal without apparent cause) can be due to:

• Nasal congestion that makes breastfeeding difficult; nasal irrigation before feeding and humidifying the environment help to loosen mucus.
• Change in the taste of milk (due to your diet, menstruation, infection, new pregnancy)
• Overstimulation or altered routines
• Teething (sore gums)
• A very strong ejection reflex that overwhelms him and he may choke.

This is not usually true weaning (babies under 1 year old rarely wean spontaneously). Stay close, offer the breast during light sleep, and express milk to maintain your supply. Most of these “strikes” resolve within 3-7 days.

10.10. Is it normal for one breast to produce more than the other?

Completely normal. Many women have a “dominant” breast. If the difference is extreme, you can offer the less productive breast preferentially to stimulate it. But a moderate asymmetry doesn’t affect the baby’s nutrition as long as the total daily intake meets their needs.

Although a clear preference for one breast can sometimes indicate a cervical problem or muscle tension that makes the baby uncomfortable breastfeeding from that breast, it’s always advisable to consult an expert.

10.11. Up to what age are BRUDYLAB supplements relevant?

Throughout breastfeeding. Although demand is highest during the first 6 months (exclusive breastfeeding), the mother’s nutritional requirements remain high while she is breastfeeding.

After introducing complementary feeding, the baby continues to obtain immunoglobulins, growth factors, and micronutrients from breast milk.

Maintaining optimal levels of DHA, vitamins, and minerals in the mother ensures that these components persist in the milk throughout the duration of breastfeeding.

LITERATURE

• Lawrence, R.A., & Lawrence, R. M. (2021). Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession (9th ed.). Elsevier.
• World Health Organization. (n.d.). Breastfeeding. WHO.
• Journal of Human Lactation. (since 1984). SAGE Publications.
• Spain. Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare. (2017). Clinical practice guideline on breastfeeding.
• Spain. Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare. (2017). A guide for breastfeeding mothers, their partners and family members.
• National Institute of Health Management (INGESA). (n.d.). Guide for happy breastfeeding.
• Spanish Association of Pediatrics. (2023). Breastfeeding guide.
• Padró, A. (2020). *We are the best: Doubts, advice and false myths about breastfeeding*. Grijalbo Illustrated.
• Padró, A. (2022). *Lots of breastfeeding: The breastfeeding manual*. Grijalbo.
• Padró, A. (2024). *Breastfeeding and work: How to return without dying in the attempt*. Penguin Random House.
• Padró, A. (s. f.). *Weaning. End of a stage*. Grijalbo.
• Padró, A., & Baquero, A. (n.d.). *We are made of milk: A book to celebrate breastfeeding*. Penguin Kids.
• Padró, A. (n.d.). *Your breasts are cool: Learn to love them*. Montena.
• Martín-Ramos, S., Domínguez-Aurrecoechea, B., García Vera, C., et al. (2024). *Breastfeeding in Spain and factors related to its establishment and maintenance: LAyDI study (PAPenRed)*. Atención Primaria, 56, 102772.
• Llorente-Pulido, S., Custodio, E., & Otero-García, L. (2025). *Inhibiting and protective factors of exclusive breastfeeding in an Island population in Spain: a longitudinal study*. International Breastfeeding Journal.
• Spain. Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare. (2017). *Clinical practice guideline on breastfeeding*