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Promoting Breast‐Feeding—A Successful Regional Project in Japan
Author(s) -
Kobayashi Michiko
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
pediatrics international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.49
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1442-200X
pISSN - 1328-8067
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-200x.1989.tb01325.x
Subject(s) - medicine , breast feeding , christian ministry , welfare , family medicine , breast milk , health professionals , health care , nursing , pediatrics , economic growth , philosophy , biochemistry , chemistry , theology , political science , law , economics
According to Health and Welfare Ministry figures (1985), 95% of pregnant women wished to breast‐feed their baby, and the number of breast‐fed newborns is increasing annually. Nevertheless, the Ministry reports that only 49.5% of one‐month‐old babies are still being breast‐fed. In 1977, Ina Health Center established Mother‐Baby Clinics, offering education about breast‐feeding. The Center also started research in 1983, with the cooperation of the Kami‐Ina Public Health Nurses' Association, into infant feeding styles. Since then, the local breast‐feeding rate has risen well above the national average. This paper presents practical guidance toward encouraging successful breast‐feeding. First, timely advice must be offered to pregnant women, to establish a correct understanding of the importance of breast‐feeding. The mother's strong intention is a major factor, as is support from people around her ‐family, employer, health care professionals. The most important period for establishing breast‐feeding is the first three months. Adequate milk secretion, good breast condition, and proper sucking are also crucial. Education and further research are still needed.