ABSTRACT

This chapter focuses on the essential skills required to effectively support breastfeeding, such as effective positioning and attachment, assessing a breastfeed, hand expression, the use of pumps and, finally, storage of milk. In order to meet the WHO recommendations of exclusive breastfeeding for six months and to continue for two years and beyond, healthcare professionals must develop the knowledge and skills to support, advise and empower breastfeeding mothers. It is important that breastfeeding mothers understand the need for a comfortable and sustainable position when establishing breastfeeding, in order to avoid poor attachment at the breast that will result in ineffective removal of the milk, pain and trauma. The BFI recommends that a breastfeeding assessment be carried out on day five, including assessment of milk transfer. Hand expression and the safe storage of breastmilk are also basic skills that healthcare professionals must be able to teach mothers, in order to empower them to solve their own problems should they arise.