Infant and Young Child Feeding

Optimum infant and young child feeding practices are key to survival, growth, and development of the child. These are a cornerstone of UNICEF's global strategy focus on the maternal, infant and young child nutrition programmes. Undernutrition has direct implications such as stunting and wasting. But it also contributes to the global burden of disease. An undernourished child is at a greater risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This breastfeeding course online free aims to develop a profound understanding of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a child's life. It also talks about complementary feeding practices, maternal health, and nutrition. IT also IYCF in cases of HIV-positive mothers, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), and in emergencies. Some of the major topics discussed in the course are;

• Malnutrition and associated factors;
• IYCF and child survival, growth and development;
• Breastfeeding;
• Breastmilk and good/bad attachments;
• Maternal health and nutrition;
• IYCF in HIV/AIDS; and
• IYCF in emergencies.

Module 1 defines malnutrition and its different types and categories. It explains malnutrition as an umbrella term. It covers undernutrition, micronutrient-related malnutrition, overweight and obesity. The module also explains how malnutrition leads to phenomena such as stunting and wasting. It also sets the basis for why breastfeeding is an important tool in the fight against malnutrition.

Module 2 discusses the role of IYCF across three phases: child survival, child growth, and child development. The first 2 years of a child’s life are critical, and they define the future health and quality of life of the child. This module explains the importance of proper nutrition during infancy and the prominent role it plays in infant growth.

Module 3 is a comprehensive overview discussing breastfeeding basics such as;

• Exclusive breastfeeding;
• Breastmilk;
• Anatomy of the human breast;
• Principles of good and poor attachment;
• Breastfeeding patterns; and
• Problems faced by breastfeeding mothers.

Breastfeeding has great benefits for both the child and the mother. It provides the child with long-standing nutritional benefits, physical as well as cognitive. For the mother, it reduces the risks of breast and ovarian cancer. This module delves into the short and long term benefits of breastfeeding during infancy. It also talk about why breastfeeding is better than formulas.

Module 4 discusses complementary feeding. It presents guidelines for nutrition-related interventions in a child's life during the first 1000 days. It also present WHO recommendations about complementary feeding.

At 6 months, an infant’s nutritional needs become more than can be met with breastmilk alone. To fill this nutrient gap, the infant needs complementary foods. This module of the breastfeeding course for healthcare providers focuses on providing the right type of complementary foods. It also focuses on providing the infant with complementary feed at the right intervals, and in the right amounts.

Module 5 focuses on breastfeeding mothers and their nutritional needs. It highlights the reasons and symptoms of maternal malnutrition. It also presents guidelines for improvement of maternal health. New mothers have higher nutritional needs. Whatever they eat defines the nutrient composition of their breastmilk. Malnourishment during lactation can lead to bad health of both the mother and the infant. This module elaborates the nutritional and caloric needs of lactating mothers, and how to complete them.

Infant feeding for mothers with HIV can be complex, as there is a high risk of transmission from the mother to the child. Module 6 focuses on;

• Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT);
• Risk factors for transmission of HIV through breastfeeding;
• Infant nutrition in the context of HIV/AIDS; and
• Recommendations for infant feeding in the case of both HIV-positive and HIV-negative mothers.

HIV-positive mothers can breastfeed if they take antiretroviral drugs. This module further explains the risks associated with breastfeeding for HIV-positive mothers. It also highlights the nutritional deficits that may their child may suffer if they choose not to. This module expounds on the recommendations for reducing the risk of transmission from mother to child.

Module 7 discusses the impact of emergencies on IYCF practices, nutrition problems arising during emergencies, and management strategies. For example, relactation and provision of breastmilk substitutes (BMS). "Emergencies" is a broad term. It covers natural disasters, mass population displacements, and emergencies due to human conflicts. In any of these cases, the nutritional needs of infants and new mothers cannot be ignored. This module of the breastfeeding course for nurses covers the reasons for the critical nature of infant care and feeding in emergencies.

POLHN works towards improving healthcare systems in communities at large. Based upon a take-home approach, Module 8 includes printable flashcards for community/health workers. These cards can be used to educate mothers and other members of the community about IYCF practices, as well as sanitation and hygiene principles associated with complementary feeding.