Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Trainer document
ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Doesn’t rooming-in expose newborns to more risk of infection?
A: No. There is lower incidence of neonatal infections with rooming-in than with
traditional newborn nurseries. Newborns are most likely to be infected unknowingly by
the medical personnel who handle them, especially if hand washing facilities are not
very adequate. It is very important for healthcare workers to wash their hands between
contacts with patients. In addition, newborns receive high doses of protective antibodies
from the colostrum they receive by suckling frequently with their mothers.
Q: What should we do if the baby is crying a lot before the milk comes in?
A: This problem is much less likely to occur if breastfeeding is initiated early, if
mother and baby are not separated at all, if the baby is attaching properly to the breast,
and if the mother is encouraged to let the baby suckle whenever he wants, for as long as
he wants. Of course, it is important that the mother gets plenty of fluids to drink,
especially if she has bled a lot. As long as she is not dehydrated, if the baby is allowed
to suckle as much as he wants, and if he is attaching properly to the breast, the crying
will soon cease. Do NOT give any supplements; this would only make the problem
worse.
Q: What if the mother says she doesn’t have enough milk?
A: To help a mother increase her milk supply, she should:
• Drink plenty of liquids
• Make sure that the baby is attaching well to the breast at each feed
• Keep the baby with her at all times, allowing him to suckle freely, especially
at night
• Allow him to nurse whenever he is interested, for as long as he wants
• Try to give both breasts at each feed
• Avoid giving the baby any supplements – these would only further suppress
the milk production.
Q: If the weather is very hot, doesn’t the baby need to be given some water?
A: The baby does not need supplementary water even when the weather is hot, as long
as his mother is getting plenty to drink. Encourage her to drink a lot of water and to
give the baby free access to the breast, so that his suckling will stimulate her breasts to
produce more milk to keep him hydrated.
Q: Is it true that breastfeeding prevents pregnancy?
A: Exclusive breastfeeding can protect a woman from becoming pregnant by
suppressing ovulation for the first six months of the baby’s life, as long as certain
conditions are met:
‣ The baby is 6 months old or less
‣ The baby is given nothing except breast milk, day and night
‣ The woman has not had a menstrual period since delivery.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 9: Breastfeeding