Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

SESSION 9: BREASTFEEDING
OBJECTIVES: By the end of the session, the participants should be able to:
1. Describe how breast milk is produced
2. Name the benefits of breastfeeding for infants and for mothers
3. Describe essential principles of breastfeeding (when to begin, frequency, duration,
exclusivity)
4. Identify essential techniques and positions for successful breastfeeding
5. Name common problems with breastfeeding and what to do in case they occur
6. Explain common myths about breastfeeding and the role of mediators in
overcoming these myths.
TRAINING METHODS: Presentation, Discussion, Demonstration, Small Groups
TIME: 1 hour 45 minutes
MATERIALS:
• Baby doll (for demonstration)
• Breast model
Flipcharts/Overheads
• Benefits of Breastfeeding
• Baby’s Attachment to the Breast
Trainer documents:
• How Breast Milk is Produced
• Benefits of Breastfeeding
• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
• Myths about Breastfeeding
Participant documents:
• Principles of Breastfeeding
• Care of the Breasts during Breastfeeding
• Common Problems during Breastfeeding
INSTRUCTIONS
I-II.
PRODUCTION OF BREAST MILK AND BENEFITS OF
BREASTFEEDING (15 minutes)
Introduction
Refer participants to the previous session and what was said about breastfeeding:
• Breast milk is the perfect food for a baby
• Breastfeeding is so important that it would be the topic of a separate session
Explain that in order to best help mothers breastfeed successfully, we need to
understand:
• How breast milk is produced and what influences it production
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 9: Breastfeeding