BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING FOR SGA INFANTS

Abstract

Breastfeeding is recognized as a central strategy for promoting child health, providing nutritional, immunological, and emotional protection. For Small for Gestational Age (SGA) infants, this practice holds even greater relevance due to their increased vulnerability to growth delays, neurodevelopmental alterations, and metabolic disorders. This study aimed to analyze the impacts of breastfeeding on the physical, cognitive, emotional, and metabolic development of SGA children. This is a bibliographic, qualitative study, developed through an integrative literature review. The analyzed studies indicate that exclusive breastfeeding is associated with improved ponderal and statural recovery, greater protection against infections, and better performance in cognitive and behavioral indicators, in addition to reducing the risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome compared to other feeding patterns. It was also observed that breastfeeding contributes to maternal mental health and the strengthening of the mother-infant bond, with positive effects on the child's emotional regulation. In conclusion, breastfeeding constitutes a natural, effective, and low-cost intervention to promote the comprehensive development and reduce morbimortality among SGA children, representing an important resource for clinical practice and for public policies promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding.