ILCA publication: supporting
breastfeeding in the first two weeks
Research has clearly demonstrated that the first few weeks after the baby’s birth are the most critical in terms of breastfeeding support. While the majority of mothers start out breastfeeding, the percentages drop steeply in the early weeks. Helping mothers through this critical time enables mother and baby to continue breastfeeding for as long as they desire.
The ILCA publication, Evidence-Based Guidelines for Breastfeeding Management During the First Fourteen Days, April 1999, is an important primer for those working with new mothers.
The 31- page booklet covers essential topics in a concise and easy to read manner, offering practical referenced guidance on issues including:
Helping the mother to breastfeed within two hours after birth,
Encouraging rooming-in,
Facilitating unrestricted breastfeeding,
Teaching recognition of feeding readiness cues,
Facilitating breastmilk production,
Recognizing ineffective breastfeeding,
Confirming parents’ knowledge,
Finding solutions to common breastfeeding problems,
Dispelling myths and misconceptions.
