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