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Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

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Tra<strong>in</strong>er document<br />

ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS<br />

Q: Doesn’t room<strong>in</strong>g-<strong>in</strong> expose newborns to more risk <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>fection?<br />

A: No. There is lower <strong>in</strong>cidence <strong>of</strong> neonatal <strong>in</strong>fections with room<strong>in</strong>g-<strong>in</strong> than with<br />

traditional newborn nurseries. Newborns are most likely to be <strong>in</strong>fected unknow<strong>in</strong>gly by<br />

the medical personnel who handle them, especially if hand wash<strong>in</strong>g facilities are not<br />

very adequate. It is very important for healthcare workers to wash their hands between<br />

contacts with patients. In addition, newborns receive high doses <strong>of</strong> protective antibodies<br />

from the colostrum they receive by suckl<strong>in</strong>g frequently with their mothers.<br />

Q: What should we do if the baby is cry<strong>in</strong>g a lot before the milk comes <strong>in</strong>?<br />

A: This problem is much less likely to occur if breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g is <strong>in</strong>itiated early, if<br />

mother and baby are not separated at all, if the baby is attach<strong>in</strong>g properly to the breast,<br />

and if the mother is encouraged to let the baby suckle whenever he wants, for as long as<br />

he wants. Of course, it is important that the mother gets plenty <strong>of</strong> fluids to dr<strong>in</strong>k,<br />

especially if she has bled a lot. As long as she is not dehydrated, if the baby is allowed<br />

to suckle as much as he wants, and if he is attach<strong>in</strong>g properly to the breast, the cry<strong>in</strong>g<br />

will soon cease. Do NOT give any supplements; this would only make the problem<br />

worse.<br />

Q: What if the mother says she doesn’t have enough milk?<br />

A: To help a mother <strong>in</strong>crease her milk supply, she should:<br />

• Dr<strong>in</strong>k plenty <strong>of</strong> liquids<br />

• Make sure that the baby is attach<strong>in</strong>g well to the breast at each feed<br />

• Keep the baby with her at all times, allow<strong>in</strong>g him to suckle freely, especially<br />

at night<br />

• Allow him to nurse whenever he is <strong>in</strong>terested, for as long as he wants<br />

• Try to give both breasts at each feed<br />

• Avoid giv<strong>in</strong>g the baby any supplements – these would only further suppress<br />

the milk production.<br />

Q: If the weather is very hot, doesn’t the baby need to be given some water?<br />

A: The baby does not need supplementary water even when the weather is hot, as long<br />

as his mother is gett<strong>in</strong>g plenty to dr<strong>in</strong>k. Encourage her to dr<strong>in</strong>k a lot <strong>of</strong> water and to<br />

give the baby free access to the breast, so that his suckl<strong>in</strong>g will stimulate her breasts to<br />

produce more milk to keep him hydrated.<br />

Q: Is it true that breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g prevents pregnancy?<br />

A: Exclusive breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g can protect a woman from becom<strong>in</strong>g pregnant by<br />

suppress<strong>in</strong>g ovulation for the first six months <strong>of</strong> the baby’s life, as long as certa<strong>in</strong><br />

conditions are met:<br />

‣ The baby is 6 months old or less<br />

‣ The baby is given noth<strong>in</strong>g except breast milk, day and night<br />

‣ The woman has not had a menstrual period s<strong>in</strong>ce delivery.<br />

159<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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