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  3. Communicating with Caregivers and Preparing Safe Feeder Notes
Course Content
Why Breastfeeding Matters (10 minutes)
Health and developmental benefits for infants Maternal benefits (physical and mental) Economic and community-level advantages Common myths and culturally specific misconceptions
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Health & Developmental Benefits for Infants from Breastfeeding
Maternal Benefits of Breastfeeding (Physical and Mental)
Economic and Community-Level Advantages of Breastfeeding
Common Myths and Culturally Specific Misconceptions about Breastfeeding
Newborn Feeding Cues & Anatomy (20 minutes)
Early vs. late hunger cues and what they mean Normal newborn feeding patterns and stomach capacity Brief breast anatomy (lobes, ducts, nipple, areola) in plain language Signs of effective feeding (swallowing, contentment, diaper output)
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Early vs. Late Hunger Cues in Infants
Normal Newborn Feeding Patterns and Stomach Capacity
Breast Anatomy (in Plain Language)
Signs of Effective Feeding in Breastfed Babies
Positions & Achieving a Good Latch (40 minutes)
Position options: cradle, cross-cradle, football/clutch, side-lying Stepwise approach to help baby latch (prepare — attach — assess) Signs of a good vs. poor latch (comfort, nipple shape, audible swallowing) Small-person adaptations (premature, small mouth, tongue-tie considerations) Safe positioning for mothers with C-section recovery
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Position Options for Breastfeeding
Stepwise Approach to Help Baby Latch
Signs of a Good vs. Poor Latch
Small-Person Adaptations in Breastfeeding
Safe Positioning for Mothers with C-Section Recovery
Protecting & Building Milk Supply (25 minutes)
Establishing supply in the first days and weeks (frequency, skin-to-skin) Night feeds and cluster feeding explained Lifestyle and medical factors that reduce supply (e.g., certain medications, stress) Relactation and increasing milk supply safely Nutrition and hydration myths vs. evidence
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Establishing Milk Supply in the First Days and Weeks
Night Feeds and Cluster Feeding
Lifestyle and Medical Factors That Reduce Supply
Relactation and Increasing Milk Supply Safely
Nutrition and Hydration Myths vs. Evidence in Breastfeeding
Expressing & Storing Breastmilk (20 minutes)
Hand-expression steps and common mistakes Choosing and using pumps (manual vs. electric) — practical tips Safe collection, labeling, storage, thawing and warming guidelines (low-resource options included) Cleaning and hygiene for bottles and storage containers Feeding expressed milk to infant (cup, spoon, paladai, bottle considerations)
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Hand-Expression Steps and Common Mistakes
Choosing and Using Breast Pumps (Manual vs. Electric)
Safe Breast Milk Handling
Cleaning and Hygiene for Bottles and Storage Containers
Feeding Expressed Milk to Infants
Common Problems & Practical Solutions (25 minutes)
Causes of sore nipples and immediate relief techniques Managing engorgement and preventing blocked ducts Recognising mastitis vs. normal engorgement and when antibiotics may be needed Low weight gain: assessment steps and feeding plan adjustments Non-judgmental approach to supplementation and safe short-term options
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Causes of Sore Nipples and Immediate Relief
Managing Engorgement and Preventing Blocked Ducts
Recognising Mastitis vs. Normal Engorgement
Low Weight Gain — Assessment and Feeding Plan Adjustments
Non-Judgmental Approach to Supplementation
Returning to Work or School; Feeding Outside the Home (15 minutes)
Creating an express-and-feed routine (timing, containers, transport) Practical storage and transport tips for different commute types Rights and workplace basics (general guidance; encourage local legal verification) Communicating with caregivers and preparing safe feeder notes Emotional coping and practical fallback plans
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Creating an Express-and-Feed Routine
Practical Storage & Transport Tips for Expressed Breast Milk by Commute Type
Rights and Workplace Basics for Breastfeeding Mothers
Communicating with Caregivers and Preparing Safe Feeder Notes
Emotional Coping and Practical Fallback Plans
Special Situations (20 minutes)
Feeding preterm or low-birthweight infants: kangaroo care, cup or tube feeding basics Managing twins/multiples: tandem feeding tips and time-saving routines Mothers on medication or with infectious illness: how to check drug safety and local guidelines (HIV, TB, etc.) Using donor milk or milk banks (where available) — safety basics
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Feeding Preterm or Low-Birthweight Infants
Managing Twins/Multiples — Tandem Feeding Tips and Time-Saving Routines
Mothers on Medication or with Infectious Illness — Drug Safety & Guidelines
Using Donor Milk or Milk Banks — Safety Basics
When to Seek Help & Building a Support Network (15 minutes)
Red flags for baby and mother (e.g., poor weight gain, fever, severe pain) Where to seek help: clinic, CHW, lactation consultant, emergency care Building a support network: partners, family, peer counsellors, community groups Using telephone/text supports, community groups, and referral pathways
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Red Flags for Baby and Mother
Where to Seek Help for Breastfeeding Challenges
Building a Support Network for Breastfeeding Mothers
Using Telephone/Text Supports, Community Groups, and Referral Pathways
Wrap-up, Resources & Final Assessment (15 minutes)
Key takeaways and common pitfalls to avoid Next steps: seeking local support, advanced training options How to use course materials beyond the course (groups, sharing, peer support) Final 20-question multiple-choice quiz (80% pass mark)
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Key Takeaways and Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Next Steps — Seeking Local Support & Advanced Training Options
How to Use Course Materials Beyond the Course
Final 20-question multiple-choice quiz (80% pass mark)
How to Breastfeed — Self-Paced, Evidence-Based Course for African Moms

1. Introduction

When mothers return to work, school, or other responsibilities, they often rely on caregivers (relatives, daycare staff, nannies). Clear communication and written feeder notes prevent mistakes, ensure safety, and protect breastfeeding success.

2. Why Caregiver Communication Matters

  • Prevents overfeeding or underfeeding.

  • Ensures safe storage, handling, and warming of expressed milk.

  • Maintains baby’s feeding rhythm and comfort.

  • Builds trust and consistency between mother and caregiver.

3. What Caregivers Need to Know

  • Baby’s feeding schedule (approximate times or cues).

  • Storage rules (how long milk can stay out, fridge vs. cooler).

  • Safe warming methods (warm water bath, not microwave).

  • Feeding method (cup, spoon, bottle, paladai, paced bottle feeding).

  • Signs of fullness (turning head away, relaxed body).

  • What NOT to do (never add cereal to bottle, never refreeze thawed milk).

4. Preparing Feeder Notes

A feeder note is a written instruction sheet left with caregivers. It should be simple, clear, and updated daily.

What to Include:

  • Baby’s name

  • Date

  • Feeding amounts (per feed, e.g., 60–90 ml)

  • Expected number of feeds (e.g., 2–3 bottles between 9 am–2 pm)

  • Storage instructions (milk labeled, oldest first)

  • Warming method (place bottle in warm water)

  • Special notes (allergies, cues, medication if prescribed)

  • Emergency contact (mother’s phone number, clinic number)

Sample Feeder Note:

 
Baby’s Name: Amina
Date: 12 Oct 2025
Milk Prepared: 3 bottles (90 ml each, labeled with time)
Feeding Method: Cup or paced bottle feeding
Feeding Cues: Rooting, hand-to-mouth, fussiness (not just crying)
Storage: Keep bottles in cooler bag until used. Use oldest first.
Warming: Place in warm water bowl, never microwave.
Emergency Contact: Mother – 07xx xxx xxx; Nearest Clinic – 07xx xxx xxx

5. Tips for Smooth Caregiver Communication

  • Do a trial day before returning to work — let caregiver practice with supervision.

  • Demonstrate handwashing and hygiene.

  • Leave milk in small portions to avoid waste.

  • Update notes daily (quantities, instructions, changes).

  • Check in regularly with caregivers for feedback.

End of Lecture Quiz

Q1. Which of the following should not be included in a feeder note?
A. Feeding amounts
B. Baby’s name
C. Emergency contact
D. Microwave warming instructions

Answer: D. Microwave warming instructions
Rationale: Microwaving breast milk is unsafe as it destroys nutrients and creates hot spots.

Q2. True or False: A good feeder note should be updated daily with date and specific instructions.
Answer: True
Rationale: Daily updates prevent errors and reflect changing baby needs.

Q3. Which is the safest way for caregivers to warm expressed milk?
A. Microwave
B. Place bottle in hot water directly on stove
C. Place sealed container in warm water bowl
D. Shake vigorously with boiling water

Answer: C. Place sealed container in warm water bowl
Rationale: Maintains milk safety and prevents overheating.

Curated Resources

Key Takeaways

  • Clear, simple feeder notes ensure safe and consistent feeding.

  • Communication builds trust between mother and caregiver.

  • Always stress hygiene, safe warming, and feeding cues.

  • Daily updates prevent mistakes and help caregivers respond correctly.

Call to Action

  • Mothers: Create a reusable feeder note template for daily use.

  • Caregivers: Follow instructions carefully and communicate any concerns.

  • Communities/Daycares: Standardize safe feeding practices for all infants.

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