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  3. How to Use Course Materials Beyond the Course
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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How to Breastfeed — Self-Paced, Evidence-Based Course for African Moms

1. Introduction

Learning about breastfeeding does not stop once the course ends. These materials are meant to spread knowledge, spark dialogue, and build confidence in mothers and their communities. Sharing them responsibly strengthens peer networks and community support systems.


2. Using Materials in Groups

  • Mother-to-Mother Clubs: Bring handouts, posters, or videos to local group meetings for discussion.

  • Clinic Waiting Areas: Share summarized checklists (e.g., “Signs of Good Latch” poster) with other mothers while waiting.

  • Faith or Social Gatherings: Use simplified versions of lecture notes as conversation starters.

  • Youth/Women’s Groups: Encourage young women to learn early about breastfeeding benefits.


3. Sharing Knowledge with Families

  • Partners and Fathers: Share the “Support Network” and “Red Flags” notes to increase involvement.

  • Grandmothers & In-laws: Use culturally adapted myths-vs-facts materials to address traditional practices respectfully.

  • Older Children: Encourage them to help with chores or baby care while mothers breastfeed.


4. Peer Support Applications

  • Peer Counselling: Mothers who complete the course can act as informal peer supporters, sharing accurate information with others.

  • WhatsApp/Facebook Groups: Post course infographics or short key takeaways for quick peer learning.

  • Storytelling: Use personal experiences alongside course content to motivate others.


5. Safeguarding the Use of Materials

  • ✅ Always cite credible sources (WHO, UNICEF, La Leche League, etc.).

  • ✅ Share evidence-based facts, not personal myths.

  • ✅ Translate/check for local language clarity when possible.

  • ✅ Encourage others to seek health worker support when red flags appear.


End of Lecture Quiz

Q1. True or False: Course materials should only be kept for personal use, not shared with others.
Answer: False
Rationale: They are designed for sharing in groups, families, and communities to spread correct knowledge.


Q2. Which family member’s involvement is often underestimated but very important?
A. Older children
B. Partners/fathers
C. Grandmothers
D. All of the above

Answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: Each family member contributes uniquely to a supportive breastfeeding environment.


Q3. Name one way course materials can be used in peer groups.
Answer: As discussion guides in mother-to-mother clubs / Shared in WhatsApp groups / Used to train informal peer supporters.
Rationale: Materials are flexible tools to build shared knowledge.


Curated Online Resources


Key Takeaways

  • Course materials are living tools — they should be shared widely with families, groups, and peers.

  • Sharing increases community knowledge and combats myths.

  • Mothers who complete the course can become peer leaders in their communities.

  • Safe use requires evidence-based sharing and referral when problems go beyond peer support.


Call to Action

  • Mothers: Share at least one key handout or poster with another family today.

  • Families: Use the materials to discuss roles in supporting breastfeeding.

  • Community leaders: Organize group sessions where these resources can be taught and adapted locally.

Ushauri Mama - Your MNCH Guide