Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Participant document
PRINCIPLES OF BREASTFEEDING
Breastfeeding should be the norm for all mothers. Assume that every mother will and
can successfully breastfeed; reassure her that she is capable of producing plenty of milk
for her baby. Young mothers who are having their first baby are more likely to need
information, support and help.
The mother should give her breast to the baby as soon as possible, within the hour(s)
after he is born, when he seems to be ready. This initial feeding provides colostrum for
the baby, which has very valuable antibodies to protect the baby from infections.
A baby shows he is ready to feed in several ways. He may:
• Be wakeful and restless
• Make small noises
• Make hand-to-mouth movements or sucking movements
• Suck his fingers or fist
• Root for the breast (i.e. when his cheek is stroked, he turns his head to the side
that is stroked and opens his mouth.)
For the first few days the mother's breasts usually produce very little milk. This is
normal. She should continue to nurse her baby often-at least every two hours. The baby's
sucking will help her produce more milk.
Encourage mothers to hold their babies naked against their skin (skin-to-skin contact) and
to cover both with the same blanket.
A mother needs to have her baby near her so that she can see and touch and respond to
him. This helps her body to prepare for a breastfeed, and it helps her breast milk to
flow. If a mother is frequently separated from her baby between feeds, the reflex may
not work as well. In more and more maternities, mothers are staying in the same room
with their babies (room-in system), which allows mothers to feed their babies on
demand.
The mother should feed her baby entirely on demand: she should suckle him whenever he
wants and for as long as he wants. The advantages of breastfeeding on demand are:
• Breast milk `comes in' sooner
• The baby gains weight faster
• There are fewer difficulties such as breast engorgement
• Breastfeeding is more easily established
Do not discourage the woman if she wishes to practice bedding-in (keeping the baby in
bed with her). This makes it easier for her to breastfeed at night.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 9: Breastfeeding