Training health personnel in the area of breast-feeding.

ABSTRACT

One of the key factors in the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding is the position taken by health personnel, and the practices adopted in hospitals and health centers. It is thus important that health personnel be made aware of their crucial influence in this domain, and be prepared to provide the necessary information and support 1st to pregnant women in their choice of mode of infant feeding, and then to those who choose to breastfeed. The author analyzes the moments which are critical in the decision to breastfeed and in successful lactation, and recommends on this basis the various elements which should be included in the training of the different categories of health personnel. The successful promotion of breastfeeding depends not only on their acquisition of knowledge in the management of breastfeeding, but also on their attitudes.