Breastfeeding is a natural and essential part of early motherhood, providing numerous benefits to both the mother and the baby. To ensure successful breastfeeding, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have developed the “10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” initiative. These ten steps serve as a comprehensive guide for healthcare providers and facilities to support and promote optimal breastfeeding practices.
Step 1: Have a written breastfeeding policy
The first step emphasizes the importance of having a written breastfeeding policy that is communicated to all healthcare staff in a healthcare facility. This policy serves as a foundation for promoting and supporting breastfeeding practices.
Step 2: Train all healthcare staff
Training all healthcare staff in the skills necessary to implement the breastfeeding policy is crucial. By providing appropriate training, healthcare professionals can effectively support and assist mothers in breastfeeding.
Step 3: Inform pregnant women about breastfeeding
Informing pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding is essential to encourage and prepare mothers for successful breastfeeding. Educating women during pregnancy can help them make informed decisions regarding breastfeeding.
Step 4: Help initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth
Initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth is associated with numerous benefits for both the mother and the newborn. Early initiation can help establish breastfeeding and promote bonding between the mother and the baby.
Step 5: Show mothers how to breastfeed
Teaching mothers how to breastfeed and maintain lactation is essential, especially in cases where mothers and infants are separated. Providing proper guidance and support can help mothers overcome challenges and continue breastfeeding successfully.
Step 6: Provide breastmilk exclusively
Offering newborn infants only breastmilk, unless medically indicated, is crucial for their health and development. Breastmilk provides all the necessary nutrients for infants and helps protect them from infections and diseases.
Step 7: Practice rooming-in
Rooming-in, which involves allowing mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day, promotes bonding and supports breastfeeding. Keeping the mother and baby together can facilitate frequent breastfeeding and improve breastfeeding outcomes.
Step 8: Encourage breastfeeding on demand
Encouraging mothers to breastfeed on demand helps establish and maintain milk supply. Babies should be allowed to breastfeed whenever they show signs of hunger, promoting a healthy breastfeeding relationship.
Step 9: Avoid artificial teats and pacifiers
Avoiding the use of artificial teats or pacifiers with breastfeeding infants can prevent nipple confusion and promote effective breastfeeding. Providing babies with only the breast can help them develop proper breastfeeding habits.
Step 10: Establish breastfeeding support groups
Facilitating the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and referring mothers to them after discharge from the hospital can provide ongoing support and assistance. These support groups can offer guidance, encouragement, and resources to help mothers continue breastfeeding successfully.
Conclusion
Following the “10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” is vital for promoting and supporting optimal breastfeeding practices. By implementing these steps, healthcare providers and facilities can help mothers achieve successful breastfeeding outcomes, leading to improved health and well-being for both mothers and infants.
