Alba Padró Shares Keys to Weaning at Sant Boi's Breastfeeding Day

The IBCLC breastfeeding consultant and co-founder of LactApp, Alba Padró, today shared the keys to the weaning process, along with tips and resources to achieve it successfully. She presented at a new edition of Sant Boi's breastfeeding day, held at the Auditori Dr. Antoni Pujadas and the Sant Joan de Déu Campus, on the grounds of the Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu.

In her conference, "Weaning: Closing a Stage," Tips and resources for success: Padrón stressed the importance of staying informed during breastfeeding and seeking support when weaning arrives, whether it's natural, voluntary, unwanted, or forced. According to Padrón, "Weaning requires information and accompaniment, because breastfeeding is a dialogue between mother and baby. When we end this stage, we must replace that dialogue with other activities that strengthen our bond with our children."

During her presentation, Padrón explained that initiating a weaning process requires evaluating several aspects, such as the child's age, their developmental stage, whether they consume other foods, if artificial milk is needed (and in what form), or if they can already have dairy derivatives. Once the decision is made, the mother needs a supportive figure by her side to accompany her through this potentially lengthy stage. "People still think that because breastfeeding consultants focus on lactation, we don't handle weaning–and that's not true." "If mothers have doubts or fears, they can ask us, and above all, they need to personalise their path forward," she explains.

The event was co-organised by the SJD Parc Sanitari, the Sant Boi City Council, the Catalan Institute of Health, the Breast Milk Bank, and the Areola group, in collaboration with the SJD Teaching Campus. The event, attended by around a hundred participants from various towns in Catalonia, included an infant massage workshop led by Rebeca Heras, a nurse specialised in breastfeeding at the SJD Sant Boi Hospital; and Mónica Isidro, a midwife in the Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Service (ASSIR) in Baix Llobregat Centre.

Infant Massage: A Beneficial Activity for Babies and Families

The International Association for Infant Massage (IAIM) highlights the multiple benefits of this practice from two key perspectives: –from the baby's perspective and the caregivers'. Among its benefits, interaction stands out, as it fosters a secure bond and activates verbal and non-verbal communication; the stimulation of the baby's various body systems (circulatory, digestive, respiratory, or immunological), along with increased body awareness; relief from pains related to growth, tension, or difficulties with evacuation; and relaxation, which reduces stress and benefits both the baby and the caregiver performing the massage. According to Rebeca Heras, "Infant massage is a way to communicate with your baby through nurturing touch." During the massage, through movements and contact, the senses of both participants are connected, creating an experience of respect, understanding, and harmony."

Through this event, the Sant Boi City Council, the ICS, the Breast Milk Bank, the Areola group, the SJD Campus, and the SJD Parc Sanitari reaffirm their ongoing commitment to supporting families who choose maternal breastfeeding–not just as a nutritional option for the baby, but as a way to strengthen the bond between mother and child.