Joint Research Strengthens Breastfeeding Counseling
Members of the Proinapsa Institute at the Industrial University of Santander (UIS), together with researchers from the Departments of Nutrition and Dietetics at the National University of Colombia (UNAL) and the University of Antioquia (UdeA), present the book Breastfeeding Counseling in Colombia: Realities and Perspectives.
This publication is the result of a collaborative research effort that analyzes the progress, challenges, and opportunities surrounding breastfeeding counseling in Colombia, with the aim of providing insights that contribute to its strengthening in the country.
The publication contributes to the understanding and strengthening of breastfeeding counseling (CLM) in Colombia, sharing the main findings and reflections derived from this work, which was based on a review of international guidelines, the Colombian regulatory framework, and experiences with implementing CLM in Bogotá, D.C., and the departments of Antioquia and Santander.
An Academic Contribution to Maternal and Child Health
The book serves as an academic contribution to understanding the progress Colombia has made in the area of breastfeeding, but also to recognizing the challenges that still exist between what is established in policies and technical guidelines and what actually happens in health care settings.
The research showed that, although the country has a regulatory framework supported by guidelines from international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, challenges remain in ensuring that breastfeeding counseling develops into a genuine process of support.
In this regard, the authors emphasize that providing breastfeeding counseling does not simply mean delivering information or offering recommendations; rather, counseling involves listening, understanding the needs of each woman and family, building trust, and supporting informed decision-making, while acknowledging the specific characteristics of social, cultural, and regional contexts.
A Research Project Involving Three Universities
One of the most significant aspects of this publication is precisely its collaborative nature. The book is the result of a joint effort by members of three Colombian public universities: the Industrial University of Santander (UIS), the National University of Colombia (UNAL), and the University of Antioquia (UdeA).
The publication was developed by Gloria Yaneth Pinzón Villate, a professor at the National University of Colombia; Blanca Patricia Mantilla Uribe, Eliana Gabriela Becerra Medina, Nieves Zoraida Flórez García, and Diana Carolina Galvis Padilla, professors at the Proinapsa Institute of the Industrial University of Santander; and Beatriz Elena Parra Sosa and Teresita Alzate Yepes, professors at the University of Antioquia.
This collaboration highlights the university’s role in generating knowledge that addresses society’s needs and strengthens the dialogue between research, education, and health practice.
For the UIS—and especially for the UIS Proinapsa Institute—participation in this research represents an opportunity to continue contributing to the development of knowledge regarding health promotion, maternal and child health, and health education and communication. It also underscores the importance of collaboration among universities to address priority health issues for the country from different regions and perspectives.
Prospects for Strengthening Breastfeeding Counseling
Among the main challenges identified is the training of human resources. The research highlighted the need to move away from models focused primarily on theoretical content toward educational processes that enable the development of practical and communication skills. In this regard, the authors emphasize the importance of more firmly integrating breastfeeding counseling into undergraduate and graduate curricula, particularly in programs related to the health sciences and social sciences.
The book also calls for strengthening health research and communication by promoting participatory strategies that help ensure families have access to relevant information and can make autonomous, informed decisions. Furthermore, it proposes strengthening research through differential, territorial, intercultural, and gender-based approaches.
Thus, this is a reference resource for researchers, educators, students, health professionals, decision-makers, and community leaders interested in contributing to the promotion of breastfeeding and support processes for families.
Through the UIS and the Proinapsa UIS Institute, this publication reaffirms our commitment to continuing to promote research, education, and communication as tools to contribute to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Where can I purchase the book?
The book is available at the UIS University Store, located on the Central Campus, for 50,000 pesos. A 40% discount is offered to members of the university community. It can also be purchased on digital platforms such as Librería Siglo and Librería de la U for 10 USD.
We invite you to discover, read, and enjoy this new publication!
