Infants and Young Child Feeding

Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding

• Maternity facilities must implement a written breastfeeding policy communicated to all healthcare staff.
• Training for healthcare staff is essential to effectively support breastfeeding practices.
• Pregnant women should be informed about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
• Initiation of breastfeeding should occur within 30 minutes of birth to enhance bonding and health.
• Mothers must be shown proper breastfeeding techniques, including maintaining lactation when apart from infants.
• Exclusive breastfeeding should be practiced, giving infants only breast milk unless medically necessary.
• Rooming-in practices should allow mothers and infants to stay together 24/7.
• Breastfeeding on demand is encouraged to foster a strong milk supply.
• Avoid artificial teats or pacifiers to promote effective breastfeeding.
• Support groups for breastfeeding should be established and introduced to mothers upon discharge.

Importance of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding

• Early breastfeeding within the first half-hour benefits both mother and baby, helping with breastfeeding initiation and placenta ejection.
• Skin-to-skin contact right after birth keeps infants warm and aids in breastfeeding.
• Colostrum is rich in nutrients and protects against illnesses while assisting in the elimination of the first stool.
• Frequent breastfeeding supports the establishment of a sufficient milk supply.
• Infants do not require water or other liquids for the first six months.

Exclusively Breastfeed During the First 6 Months

• Exclusive breastfeeding protects infants from diseases like diarrhea and respiratory infections.
• Breastfeeding exclusively allows mothers to avoid ovulation and reduces the risk of subsequent pregnancies.
• Benefits of exclusive breastfeeding include financial savings and stronger emotional bonds between mother and child.

Dangers of Mixed Feeding During the First 6 Months

• Mixed feeding, involving both breastmilk and other foods or liquids, can harm infants' stomachs and increase health risks.
• Early introduction of other foods/fluids diminishes the protective benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding on Demand

• Infants should be breastfed on demand (8-12 times a day) to promote breastmilk production.
• Early hunger cues include restlessness, mouth opening, and tongue movements.
• Avoid using feeding bottles or teats to prevent illness and ensure hygienic practices.

Breastfeeding Positions

• Correct positioning is vital for effective breastfeeding and milk supply.
• Key elements of good positioning include:
  • Baby's body should be straight and facing the breast.
  • Baby should be close and well supported.
• Various positions are available, such as cradle and side-lying, depending on preference and need.

Good Attachment

• Good attachment is critical for effective suckling and preventing discomfort during breastfeeding.
• Signs of good attachment include wide mouth opening, visible areola, and the baby's chin touching the breast.
• Effective suckling leads to softening of the breast and contentment in the baby after feeding.

Start Complementary Feeding at 6 Months

• At six months, infants require additional foods to meet their nutritional needs while continuing to breastfeed.
• Complementary feeding should include appropriate frequency, quantity, thickness, and variety of foods, with breastfeeding prioritized.

Active/Responsive Feeding

• Feeding should be patient and responsive, allowing infants time to adjust to new foods.
• Providing infants their own dish can help track consumption.

Hygiene Practices

• Maintain high hygiene standards to prevent illness, such as diarrhea.
• Ensure clean utensils, proper storage, hand washing before and after feeding, and cleanliness of both baby and caregiver prior to meals.

This quiz covers the essential ten steps to successful breastfeeding as part of the maternity services provided to new mothers and their infants. It aims to strengthen health care staff's understanding and implementation of breastfeeding policies and practices, ensuring that mothers receive proper support during this critical period.