Breastfeeding is one of the most important health-promoting practices for newborns and infants. It provides ideal nutrition, strengthens immunity, and fosters emotional bonding between mother and child. In India, where infant malnutrition and infections are still common, nurses play a vital role in promoting and supporting breastfeeding at the community and institutional level.
1. Educating and Counseling Mothers
- Nurses are often the first point of contact for mothers during antenatal visits, delivery, and postnatal care.
- They provide counseling on:
- Benefits of breastfeeding for mother and child
- Correct positioning and latching techniques
- Importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months
- Special emphasis is given on colostrum feeding, which is rich in antibodies and nutrients.
2. Encouraging Early Initiation of Breastfeeding
- According to WHO and Government of India guidelines, breastfeeding should be started within one hour of birth.
- Nurses assist the mother immediately after delivery to initiate breastfeeding.
- In case of Cesarean sections, nurses ensure mother-baby contact as soon as possible for early initiation.
3. Demonstrating Proper Techniques
- Nurses demonstrate:
- Correct positioning (cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold)
- Proper latch-on technique to prevent nipple soreness
- Signs that the baby is getting enough milk (e.g., regular urine output, weight gain)
- They also check and correct ineffective suckling.
4. Preventing and Managing Breastfeeding Problems
Nurses identify and manage common breastfeeding problems such as:
- Engorgement – Advising frequent feeding and cold compress
- Sore nipples – Teaching proper latching, using nipple creams or breast milk
- Mastitis – Recognizing symptoms early and referring for treatment
- Low milk supply – Reassuring mother, encouraging frequent feeding, advising adequate hydration and nutrition
5. Promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding
- Nurses reinforce that no other food or fluid (not even water) should be given for the first 6 months of life.
- This includes avoiding formula, cow’s milk, honey, gripe water, etc.
- They also discourage bottle feeding and promote cup or spoon feeding if supplement is necessary.
6. Supporting Continued Breastfeeding
- Nurses encourage mothers to continue breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary feeding after 6 months, up to 2 years or beyond.
- They provide information on weaning foods and how to maintain breastfeeding during maternal illness or working conditions.
7. Involving Family Members
- In Indian families, elder women and husbands influence maternal practices.
- Nurses involve grandmothers and fathers in breastfeeding promotion.
- They educate them about:
- Supporting the mother emotionally and physically
- Helping with household chores so the mother can rest and breastfeed
- Not giving traditional pre-lacteal feeds like honey or water
8. Promoting Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)
- Especially for low birth weight (LBW) and preterm babies, nurses promote:
- Skin-to-skin contact
- Frequent breastfeeding
- KMC improves milk production and bonding, and reduces infant mortality.
9. Advocating Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)
- Nurses implement and support 10 steps to successful breastfeeding under BFHI guidelines.
- Steps include:
- Rooming-in (keeping mother and baby together 24×7)
- Avoiding artificial teats or pacifiers
- Staff training and policy adherence
10. Community Outreach and Follow-Up
- In community settings, ANMs, ASHAs, and staff nurses:
- Visit postnatal mothers under Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC) program
- Reinforce breastfeeding messages during immunization visits or Anganwadi contacts
- Track growth and development using Mother and Child Protection Card
11. Special Support in Challenging Situations
- Nurses play a key role in supporting:
- Working mothers – Educating about expression and storage of breast milk
- Mothers of twins – Managing feeding schedule and positioning
- HIV-positive mothers – Counseling on safe breastfeeding under ART cover, as per Government of India guidelines
12. Participation in National Programs
Nurses actively participate in and support:
- Poshan Abhiyan
- Mother’s Absolute Affection (MAA) programme
- Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
- These programs aim to reduce infant mortality and improve nutrition through breastfeeding promotion.
Conclusion
Nurses are central to the promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding. Their knowledge, compassion, and counseling skills empower mothers to adopt and sustain optimal breastfeeding practices. By ensuring early initiation, exclusive breastfeeding, and managing feeding problems, nurses contribute to improved child survival, reduced malnutrition, and a healthier future generation in India.