Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health
Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health
Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health
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• mothers who have difficulty with breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g<br />
• mothers who bottle fed previously but now want to breastfeed<br />
‣ How could a mediator help a mother with breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g?<br />
• Talk with her quietly and with patience<br />
• Ask the mother how she feels and how breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g is go<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
• Try to see the mother when she is feed<strong>in</strong>g her baby, and quietly watch what is<br />
happen<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
• If the mother is hav<strong>in</strong>g difficulty, help her with position<strong>in</strong>g her baby correctly<br />
• Give her relevant <strong>in</strong>formation and make sure that she understands it.<br />
• Answer the mother's questions.<br />
• Expla<strong>in</strong> simply and clearly what she needs to know.<br />
Baby’s position<br />
Expla<strong>in</strong> that position<strong>in</strong>g the baby properly at the breast is necessary so that the baby can<br />
suckle effectively.<br />
Emphasize the follow<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>ts when help<strong>in</strong>g mothers:<br />
• Always observe a mother breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g before you help her.<br />
Take time to see what she does, so that you can understand her situation clearly.<br />
Do not rush to make her do someth<strong>in</strong>g different.<br />
• Give a mother help only if she has difficulty.<br />
Some mothers breastfeed babies satisfactorily <strong>in</strong> positions that would be difficult<br />
for others. Do not try to change a baby's position if he is gett<strong>in</strong>g breast milk<br />
effectively and his mother is comfortable.<br />
• Let the mother do as much as possible herself.<br />
Be careful not to `take over' from her. Expla<strong>in</strong> to her what to do. If possible,<br />
demonstrate on your own body to show her what you mean.<br />
• Make sure that she understands what you do so that she can do it herself.<br />
Your aim is to help her to position her own baby. It does not help if you can get a<br />
baby to suckle and his mother cannot.<br />
Inform participants that you will demonstrate, with the help <strong>of</strong> a volunteer, several<br />
techniques and positions for successful breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g, as well as some common mistakes<br />
and how to correct them. Invite them to observe, ask questions and comment as<br />
appropriate.<br />
[Note to the tra<strong>in</strong>er: Before the demonstrations, ask a participant to help you with the<br />
demonstration. Expla<strong>in</strong> that you want her to play the role <strong>of</strong> a mother who needs help to<br />
position her baby. Ask her to decide on a name for herself and her “baby” (the doll). F<strong>in</strong>d<br />
a cloth to cover the table, and some pillows if these are appropriate <strong>in</strong> the community.<br />
Arrange chairs, a footstool, and a bed, or a table that can be used for a bed to demonstrate<br />
breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g ly<strong>in</strong>g down.]<br />
142<br />
RFHI/JSI <strong>Roma</strong>nia <strong>Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g</strong> <strong>of</strong> RHMs <strong>in</strong> <strong>Reproductive</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Session 9: Breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g
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