Italian women want to breastfeed and are aware of how important it is for their children’s health. In fact, 96.5% of them express this intention during pregnancy. However, not all manage to fulfill this goal after birth. In the days following delivery, 91.7% actually breastfeed, but only 59.9% do so exclusively, without any formula. At three months postpartum, 72.3% of mothers breastfeed, 49.3% exclusively. At six months, 56.4% breastfeed, and only 6.4% exclusively (8).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
To help new mothers fulfill their desire to breastfeed, they must be adequately supported. Clear information<\/strong> is needed during pregnancy, a favorable environment<\/strong> immediately after birth, skin-to-skin contact with the baby<\/strong>, early initiation of breastfeeding<\/strong>, rooming-in<\/strong> at the hospital, and qualified assistance<\/strong> to resolve any initial latch issues.<\/p>\n It is also essential that new mothers do not feel suddenly left alone once they return home. They should be able to rely on the support of their partner and family, as well as on home visits from a midwife and gatherings with other properly trained mothers to share experiences and challenges in a supportive, non-judgmental environment that fosters trust.<\/p>\n Surveys conducted over the years by the Istituto Superiore di Sanit\u00e0 (Italian National Institute of Health) confirm that the chances of exclusive breastfeeding at three months postpartum are higher if the mother attended prenatal classes, had rooming-in at the hospital, and joined postnatal support groups with midwives and other mothers.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/5_aiuto-qualificato-2.jpg\")
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