How can others help to support mothers to breastfeed?

Mothers and families need support and actions that can help protect, promote and support breastfeeding including:

• Adoption of policies such as supported maternity leave and the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.
• Implementation of the Ten Steps to successful breastfeeding including:
  • Skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby immediately after birth and initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life. Ensure a full breastfeed – WHO research has shown babies are removed from the breast too soon.
  • Breastfeeding on demand (that is, as often as the child wants, day and night)
  • Rooming-in (allowing mothers and infants to remain together 25 hours a day)
  • Babies should not be given additional food or drink, not even water.

• Supportive health services providing infant and young child feeding counseling during all visits
• Community support including mother support groups and community-based health promotion and education activities

In photo: Daphne Oseña-Paez

SOURCE:

WHO Infant and Young Child Feeding Factsheet, July 2010