Public Health announces ten steps for successful breastfeeding

Asuncion, IP Agency.- As part of World Breastfeeding Week, which seeks to promote breastfeeding as a shared responsibility, the Ministry of Public Health shares the ten steps for successful breastfeeding.

It emphasizes that breast milk is the essential and complete food for infants from birth, and breastfeeding offers protection against diseases and promotes the intellectual and emotional development of the baby.

Here are 10 steps to keep in mind during breastfeeding.

Step 1. Comply with the Code of Substitutes and apply the standards for breastfeeding and infant feeding.

Step 2. Ensure that health professionals and staff have sufficient knowledge and skills to support breastfeeding.

Step 3. Provide information on the benefits of breastfeeding and how to put it into practice.

Step 4. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of the baby’s life and encourage skin-to-skin contact.

Step 5. Support mothers to initiate and maintain breastfeeding and cope with difficulties, even if they have to be separated from their babies.

Step 6. Do not give newborns or babies under 6 months of age any food other than breast milk, unless medically indicated.

Step 7. Enable mother and baby to be together 24 hours a day

Step 8. Teach mothers to detect signs that their baby wants to breastfeed.

Step 9. Advise mothers about the risks of using bottles and pacifiers.

Step 10. Coordinate discharge, so that parents and their babies have timely access to assistance and care.