Promoting breast-feeding--a successful regional project in Japan.
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.
Kobayashi
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D001940:Breast / Q000502:physiology; D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007564:Japan; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D012944:Social Support; D013391:Sucking Behavior; D014931:Women, Working