The superiority of breast feeding over other types of infant feeding has been proved many times. The superiority of breast feeding is now universally accepted. However the  practice of breast feeding has been on the decline  during the past few decades.

The promotion of breast feeding is of utmost importance . Every woman should be encouraged and helped to successfully breast feed her baby.

All forms of breast feeding promotion should begin early. Breast feeding discussions with teenagers is thought to have the most impact.Ideas held as adolescents persists into adulthood , therefore young adults must be develop positive attitudes to breast feeding. Breast feeding should be introduced into school curriculums . Breast feeding can be discussed under home economics lectures for teenagers.

Promotion of breast feeding during antenatal care

The antenatal care period is an ideal time to educate a mother about the advantages of breast feeding. Education of the pregnant woman on all aspects of breast feeding( including advantages and misconceptions) must be undertaken.

The importance of exclusively breast eeding an infant for the first four to six months must be emphasized .

Adequate balanced nutrition of the pregnant woman themselves must also be emphasized. A well fed woman will produce nutritious milk of adequate quantity.

Many communities have breast feeding support groups. Where available pregnant women should be encouraged to join such groups.

For doctors and midwives the antenatal period is the best time to examine the breasts to look for any anatomical (Physical) abnormalities (Such as inverted nipples). Inverted nipples can be corrected during the antenatal period

Immediately after deliver the baby must be put to the breast within 30 to 60 minutes. Sick babies with a low apgar score will follow a different protocol , but must also be fed by expressed breast milk unless contraindicated (very rarely).

Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative

The UNICEF and WHO in 1991 launched the baby friendly hospital initiative.

It is considered by many as a global movement for mankind. The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is directed principally at the health workers and health facility.

The health workers were targetted in the BFHI because the health workers are central in all efforts towards the promotion, protection and support of breast feeding.

The BFHI is implemented by observing the ten steps to successful breast feeding. The ten steps are listed below. Any hospital that supports the BFHI must provide knowledge, facilities and support to a pregnant woman so that she can make informed decision on breast feeding.

Ten steps to successful breast feeding

1) Have a written breast feeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health-cae staff.

2) Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy.

3) Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breast feeding.

4) Help mothers initiate breast feeding within half an hour of birth.

5) Show mother how to breast feed and how to maintain lactation , even if they should be seperated from their infants.

6) Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breast milk, unless medically indicated.

7) Practice rooming -in- allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day.

8) Encourage breast feeding on demand.

9) Give no artificial teats or pacifiers (also called dummies or soothers) to breast feeding infants.

10) Foster the establishment of breast feeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic.

References:

i) Paediatrics and child health in a tropical region edited by J. C. Azubuike and K.E. O Nkanginieme-1999

ii) Park’s Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine by K .Park 17 th edition -2002.

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