Breastfeeding Counseling Mentorship Program: Comprehensive Implementation Guide

The program aims to improve the quality of breastfeeding counseling provided by health workers in various service delivery points, such as antenatal care, labor and childbirth, postnatal care, newborn care, and pediatric services. The document outlines the program's structure, goals, and objectives, as well as the roles and responsibilities of mentors, mentees, and program leadership. It also provides detailed information on the implementation process, including the selection and training of mentors and mentees, the pairing of mentors and mentees, and the conduct of mentoring sessions. The program's focus competencies include seven key areas of breastfeeding counseling, such as using listening and learning skills, engaging in antenatal conversations, facilitating breastfeeding within the first hour, discussing breastfeeding with mothers, assisting mothers in attaching their babies to the breast, helping mothers to breastfeed small or sick babies, and ensuring a seamless transition after discharge. The document also provides guidance on the observation and assessment of mentees' competencies, including the use of observation tools and mentor feedback forms. It outlines the criteria for graduation from the program, which includes demonstrating competence in all focus competencies and achieving a certain level of confidence in their abilities. Additionally, the document provides information on the program's materials and resources, including mentor and mentee job aids, mentorship program tools, and information, education, and communication materials. Overall, this document provides a detailed and comprehensive guide for implementing a breastfeeding counseling mentorship program, with a focus on improving the quality of care provided to mothers and babies.