Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Participant document
CARE OF THE BREASTS DURING BREASTFEEDING
Taking good care of the breasts is important for the health of both the mother and her
baby. The baby should begin to breast feed soon after it is born.
Normally, the breasts make as much milk as the baby needs. If the baby empties them,
they begin to make more. If the baby does not empty them, soon they make less.
When a baby gets sick and stops sucking, after a few days the mother's breasts stop
making milk. So when the baby can suck again, and needs a full amount of milk, there
may not be enough. For this reason, when a baby is sick and unable to take much milk, it
is important that the mother keep producing lots of milk by milking her breasts with her
hands.
To milk the breasts by hand, the woman takes hold of the breast way back, then moves
her hands forward, squeezing. To squeeze the milk out, she must press behind the nipple.
She can then give the milk to the baby by spoon or dropper.
Another important reason to milk the breast if the baby stops sucking, is that this keeps
the breasts from getting too full. When they are too full, they are painful. A breast that is
painful is more likely to develop an abscess. In addition, the baby may have trouble
sucking when the breast is very full.
Regular bathing will help to keep the mother’s breasts clean. It is not necessary to clean
her breasts and nipples each time she breastfeeds her baby. She should not use soap to
clean her breasts, as this may cause cracking of the skin, sore nipples, and infection.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 9: Breastfeeding