Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

passively smokes with her by inhaling cigarette smoke. Nicotine is a poison that
can harm the baby. Beside, the unpleasant smell will confuse the baby, who will
not recognize anymore his/her mother by smelling her.
• Avoid drinking alcohol
It is a tradition to offer beer to a breastfeeding woman. . The quantity of alcohol
present in the milk of a new mother who consumes alcohol is huge for a newborn
baby and it may cause his intoxication or even death. Women should be strongly
advised not to drink alcohol; they should instead drink plenty of fruit juice or
clean water.
• Avoid taking medicines whenever possible.
Medicines should be taken only when there is a good reason and only with
medical prescription from the doctor, because they are entering the mother’s milk
and can cause intoxications to the baby.
Emotional support: The postpartum period is an emotionally demanding period for the
mother and she needs a lot of family support and understanding from her husband.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 7: Postpartum Care