Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Trainer document/Participant document
LATER CARE OF THE INFANT
If the baby is breastfeeding exclusively and continues to gain weight there is no worry.
As long as mother eats well herself, she will have enough milk. However, after six
months, breast milk alone is not enough for the baby and semi-solids must be introduced
along with breast milk. This is called weaning. The principles related to weaning of the
baby:
• Give semi-solids
• Continue breastfeeding and give semi-solids after breastfeeding
• Introduce one food at a time
• Start with 1-2 teaspoons full and increase the quantity of food gradually
• Feed frequently
• Mash all foods
If a baby suffers from diarrhea, i.e., it passes many loose, watery stools per day, he
should be given oral re-hydration solution in order to make up for the water and
important salts lost in stools. The doctor will recommend and supervise the treatment.
Infants need to be protected against the following diseases that are the most common
causes of death and disability in children: tuberculosis, diphtheria, polio, whooping
cough, tetanus and measles.
All babies should be fully immunized against all these diseases within the first year of
their lives. Vaccines are available from family doctors at the PHC level. Every mother
should get her baby immunized.
Parents should be aware that the baby may cry, or develop fever or a small sore after an
immunization injection. These are normal after-effects and should not be a cause for
alarm nor for refusing to immunize babies. The baby should be given plenty of food and
liquids, preferably breast milk. If the problem seems serious or lasts more than three
days, the baby should be seen by the doctor.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 8: Newborn Care