Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

If the weather is hot, the mother should drink plenty of fluids, and not worry about the
baby. The breast milk contains all the water and nutrients that a baby’s body needs.
It is very normal for breast fed babies to feed at least every three hours. Mothers should
not attempt to make their babies follow a schedule until lactation is very well established,
certainly not before six weeks.
Mothers should not use anything except clean water to cleanse their breasts. Even soap
can have an astringent (drying) effect and contribute to sore, cracked nipples. Rubbing a
small amount of breast milk or colostrum on the nipples, will help to prevent and/or heal
sore nipples.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 9: Breastfeeding