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    José Martí Plaza, In the heart of Las Tunas (Photo Gallery)

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Las Tunas News

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The Las Tunas Building Materials Company is one of the most antiquated in the country, equipped with obsolete technology, so its workers do everything they can to fulfill their contracts...

Lay Judges Are in Invested in Their Post…

All the pre-candidates for lay judges, including those of the Military Court, presented to the municipal assemblies of the People’s Power in Las Tunas received the approval of the delegates...

The Harvest at the Antonio Guiteras Suga…

Continuing to implement alternatives that contribute to improving staff service, fundamentally concerning food in the mill's dining room and cafeterias, and strengthening control to increase the use of agricultural and...

Plant Health in Las Tunas, the Struggle …

Three research projects focused on pest management and biological analysis in the agri-food system are among the priorities of the Provincial Laboratory of Plant Health in Las Tunas this year.

Las Tunas Women Farmers, from Passion to…

Mileidy Crespo Pérez, Addys Oliver Moreno, and Moraima Martínez Reynaldo proudly parade their gender and their peasant roots in the streets of the towns and villages of the province of...

Cold Planting Campaign Concludes with Op…

Until the end of February, the conclusion of the cold season, more than 23,200 hectares (ha) of various crops were planted in the eight municipalities of Las Tunas, which represents...

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US Raises Millions-Worth Funds for Plans…

United States authorities approved an additional sum of more than 50 million dollars for subversive actions against Cuba, with emphasis on media manipulation campaigns, Cubadebate’s website reported on Sunday.

Artificial Intelligence Focuses Debates …

The 3rd edition of "Patria" (Homeland) International Colloquium focuses Tuesday its panels and keynote speeches on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the work of media.

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Cuba Maintains Popular Commitment to Con…

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel reiterated the will to confront the U.S. blockade and boost the country's economic development; he also reaffirmed the government's commitment to the population.

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The use of the drug HeberFeron improves the quality of life of the albinos community in Cuba, the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) announced today.

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Cuba continues to make pertinent efforts to clarify the situation of kidnapped Doctors Assel Herrera Correa and Landy Rodríguez Hernández, whose alleged deaths were disclosed on February 17.

World News

Features

Benefits of breasfeeding

For many women, the biggest concern after birth is, without a doubt, the feeding of the baby. At that time, several questions arise, especially if the previous preparation was scarce or null. Will I be able to breastfeed my little one, will I have enough milk, will he refuse the breast? And although everyone lives their own experience, it is always more feasible to reach that moment with basic learning.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- Not only the future mother must worry about acquiring the knowledge, but also the father and the closest family. They are usually the best allies, but the lack of knowledge can turn them into enemies of the continuity of this vital process. Vulnerable after giving birth (even more so if she is a first-timer), women often hear opinions that not infrequently lead them to abandon breastfeeding.

In this respect, the neonatologist Maricelis Bas Ávalo refers that it is precisely the insufficient information on the subject that affects the early introduction of foodstuffs that are inappropriate and risky for the age of the infant. "We need doctors, nurses, specialists, social workers... to contribute to the promotion of breastfeeding from Primary Health Care.

We are talking about a natural event that requires time, practice and perseverance, but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences. We must be very clear that nothing is more beneficial for the little one than this product.

"Generally, parents say that the child cries a lot because it does not fill up, without noticing that other different causes can provoke this crying; let us remember that this is the only way for the child to communicate. The easiest way is to offer the baby a bottle, and right then, we are depriving him of the best food," she says.

According to studies, it is the most digestible and nutritious; it prevents infections, episodes of diarrhea, allergies, anemia and respiratory conditions. It offers protection against the onset of childhood diseases such as diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, obesity and is associated with higher cognitive development scores.

Its strengths extend to the parents, as it promotes natural weight loss, reduces the risk of breast cancer, and, in a prolonged manner, ovarian cancer.

"We give talks to mothers about the advantages of breastfeeding for the quality of life and the progress of the baby. We explain that the ideal is exclusive breastfeeding until six months and then complementary breastfeeding until the age of two and beyond.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends starting in the first hour of life; this increases the chances of survival. The infant should be fed only breast milk, with no other food or drink, not even water. 

MORE THAN A GESTURE

In Las Tunas there is a human milk bank that offers the service to those admitted in the Neonatology ward of the Ernesto Guevara de la Serna hospital and in the Mártires de Las Tunas pediatric ward. The healthy mother makes the donation and the product goes through a process of collection, selection, classification, processing, quality control and storage for subsequent distribution, always under medical prescription.

Bas Ávalo, also head of the human milk bank, says that there are women who for various reasons cannot breastfeed. Some, for example, have sexually transmitted infections, or have undergone operations. "We offer them food so that they don't have to resort to other alternatives," she said.

To date, more than 660 women have been assisted at the site, 169 of whom have become donors and more than 270 have benefited from this support. "It is a beautiful and admirable gesture that favors many children.

BREASTFEEDING AND COVID-19

COVID-19 disrupted the lives of most human beings on the planet. And it could be particularly stressful for nursing mothers. However, the WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund suggest that breastfeeding should be maintained during the pandemic, even if there is a suspicion or confirmation of coronavirus infection.

Current data indicate that it is unlikely that the disease can be transmitted through this route. It is recommended that mothers with symptoms of COVID-19 wear a mask. They should also practice infection prevention measures such as hand washing, cleaning surfaces they touch, and covering their mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.

If they are too ill, other variations can be used, such as expressing their own or a donor's milk. The many contributions far outweigh the possible risks associated with SARS-CoV-2. So there is no reason for interruption.

Much remains to be done and learned from this wonderful practice that deserves the support of society as a whole. The effort to protect it is rewarded with the smile and health of our children.