Community-based breastfeeding support : a planning manual

The manual emphasizes support for optimal breastfeeding practices, including exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months and sustained breastfeeding from 6-24 months and beyond. Section I provides background information on breastfeeding and discusses why breastfeeding support at the community level is critical to the achievement of child survival, infant health and nutrition, and women"s reproductive health care goals; it also gives a summary description of comprehensive breastfeeding programs and community-based breastfeeding support activities. Sections II and III are the "how to" parts of the manual. Section II describes the initial steps in planning a community-based program -- assessing breastfeeding practices and support activities in the community, engaging the community in the planning process, setting goals and objectives, developing a workplan, and preparing a budget. Section III addresses management and implementation issues such as human resource development, training, supervision, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Throughout the manual, examples are drawn from Latin America where there has been substantial experience with breastfeeding promotion in the community. Each chapter includes worksheets to help in planning and implementing community-based breastfeeding activities. Annexes include a list of references and additional resources on breastfeeding, training, and planning. (Author abstract, modified)