Lactation Managment Unit

Neel was admitted to the Lactation Management Unit (LMU) at CINI with his mother, Maitun, at 2 months of age. His weight was just 3.6kg and had been dropping steadily. Maitun brought Neel to the outpatient clinic, as she was concerned he was not growing properly. Maitun is 20 years old and Neel is her first baby. She began breastfeeding her son from the first day of his life but after 15 days her mother-in-law decided that Maitun had insufficient milk to feed Neel and therefore should start using other milk substitutes in addition to her breast milk. Neel was fed a diet of breast milk and wheat flour mixed with cow’s milk, sugar and water during the first two months of his life.

Following Maitun’s admission to the LMU with her son, she was given advice on how to initiate relactation. CINI health care workers spent time with her, providing explanations of the technique and timings of breastfeeding, as well as physical and emotional support. Maitun told me that her confidence has greatly improved in just one week. She says CINI has helped her greatly, as she now has a lot of milk and her son is feeding well and it clear to all of us that she is far more relaxed and confident.

The World Health Organisation advises that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life in developing countries. Exclusive breastfeeding not only improves maternal and child health, but also reduces the risk of malnutrition, infection and other health problems in children. Children who are fed formula feed are at risk of infection, as the water used to make up the formula is not clean; and of malnutrition, as parents may not be able to afford the formula and often use a packet sufficient for only 1 month over 3 months. Therefore CINI works hard to promote breastfeeding and to provide as much support and advice to mothers on feeding practices as needed.