Promoting and supporting breastfeeding for optimal nutrition during infancy

Abstract

As general physician one can significantly influence a mother's or family's decision to optimally feed their baby and good feeding practices during first year greatly reduce the risk of a child being sick and being malnourished. It is recommended that health personnel should focus on exclusive breastfeeding for first six months and continued breastfeeding for up to two years along with appropriate and timely complementary foods that are started at the age of six months. Mothers need breastfeeding information and support during antenatal time; during hospital stay or at health care facility, and during postpartum visits. Encouragement especially during antenatal period increases breastfeeding rates. Subsequent paediatric and matemal visits are also important for promotion of breastfeeding. In this paper we would provide you new and updated information on recommended feeding practices, how you can support and help mothers, and what kind of skilled help is needed to initiate breastfeeding early, maintain exclusive breastfeeding and avoid artificial feeding. We will also discuss some strategies to support mothers.