Breastfeeding promotion: Training of mid-level and outreach health workers

Abstract

The International Baby Food Action Network Africa Regional Office (IBFAN Africa) has given thirteen courses in lactation management to subSaharan health workers. The aims of training, the process of running national courses in collaboration with local organizers, and the content of one- to two-week courses are described. Available teaching resources include books, abstracts, films and slide sets. Forty topics are suggested for mid-level training, with a sample exercise teaching observation of a breastfeed. A two-week course leads participants through four stages of attitude change. Obstacles to training are listed and solutions recommended.