Improving Eibf

IMPROVING

EARLY INITIATION OF BREASTFEEDING Workshop

on

World Breastfeeding Week 1-7 August, 2009

M.G.Mhaskey (DE-Dantewada & Bijapur) Nutrition Surveillance Program Dept. of Women & Child Development -

Improving Early Initiation of Breastfeeding As per NFHS-III early initiation of Breastfeeding is very low at 24.5%. As per study from Rural Ghana (Pediatrics 2006; 117:380-386) early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth can cut neonatal deaths by 22%, roughly translating to 2.5 lakh saved lives. Studies in Nepal have showed that 19% of all neonatal deaths can be avoided with universal initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth. Risk of neonatal deaths increases by almost 6 times if breastfeeding is

Improving Early Initiation of Breastfeeding It is important to initiate

1

breastfeeding preferably within an hour of birth because:

It ensures that baby gets colostrum, which serves as the baby's first immunization with a host of antibodies and live cells in it.

Improving Early Initiation of Breastfeeding It is important to initiate

2

breastfeeding preferably within an hour of birth because:

Takes advantage of the newborn's intense suckling reflex and alert state

Improving Early Initiation of Breastfeeding It is important to initiate

3

breastfeeding preferably within an hour of birth because:

Breastfeeding allows the placenta to separate more quickly because the baby’s suckling soon after delivery stimulates uterine contractions. It reduces chances of postpartum haemorrhage in the

Improving Early Initiation of Breastfeeding It is important to initiate

4

breastfeeding preferably within an hour of birth because:

It stimulates the oxytocin and prolactin reflex and hence aids breastmilk production.

Improving Early Initiation of Breastfeeding It is important to initiate

5

breastfeeding preferably within an hour of birth because:

Babies not fed colostrum are at high risk of infections. Colostrum helps the growth of the intestinal villiin the baby’s gut. The absence may result in damage to the gut with intestinal bleeding leading to anemia. A poorly developed gut

Solutions for Improvement - WCD 1.Providing BCC training and materials for AWWs on improving EIBF rates. "Breast Crawl" is an effective way to initiate breastfeeding (screening of the UNICEF video) 2.Training of AWWs on principles and practices of Infant and Young Child Nutrition and counseling is a must. 3.Track EIBF rates through supervisory field visits and MPRs by asking a very simple question: (i)How many children are born in your AWC area last month? (ii)Out of these how many have been initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth? 4.Improve focused home visits by AWWs to houses during the last trimester and on day of birth to focus on early initiation of breastfeeding 5.Stress on EIBF messages during Gaod Bharai ceremony held at

Thank