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Key to Successful Breastfeeding: Prompt Support After Delivery

The Japan Breastfeeding Support Council, under the leadership of President Asayo Mori, has made a significant contribution to breastfeeding practices in Japan. By translating and publicly releasing the Training Course: Participant's Manual for Maternity Staff from the WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, the council provides universal access to vital information that supports breastfeeding. This resource can be downloaded from their website at Japan Breastfeeding Support Council, where various formats, including session-specific documents and training slides, are available for free.

Importance of Support Immediately After Birth

The success of breastfeeding often hinges on the type of support mothers receive immediately postpartum. The WHO/UNICEF manual is designed for all personnel who handle mothers and infants at this critical juncture, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills related to breastfeeding support. Currently, Japan's medical training curriculum does not devote sufficient time to this essential topic, which can lead to inconsistent support for mothers and potentially challenges in breastfeeding.

Creating an accessible standardized source of information is imperative to ensure that all mothers, regardless of where they give birth, receive similar levels of breastfeeding support. The manual was translated and made available freely on a volunteer basis to serve as a nationwide benchmark for breastfeeding assistance. The initiative reflects a commitment to ensure that vital information regarding breastfeeding support is universally recognized and can be easily accessed by anyone involved in maternal and infant care.

Features of the Training Course

The training course emphasizes important counseling skills as much as foundational knowledge about breastfeeding. It provides practical examples to bolster new parents’ confidence, helping them choose the right information and methods during the early stages of parenting. This comprehensive approach not only aids in breastfeeding but also enhances overall parenting support.

Practical Applications of the Manual

1. Basic Information Source for Breastfeeding: The manual serves as an essential resource for understanding fundamental concepts surrounding breastfeeding, helping those supporting pregnant and postpartum individuals grasp necessary knowledge about breastfeeding.

2. Professional Training in Facilities: This manual can be utilized for training staff in maternity wards, postpartum care facilities, and baby visitation programs. Training facilitators can refer to the trainer’s manual available on the WHO publication page (currently untranslated).

3. Resource for Individuals Receiving Support: Though primarily aimed at supporters, the manual is also beneficial for breastfeeding individuals seeking scientifically-backed information. It assists them in communicating their needs for standardized support aligned with the practices outlined in the manual.

About the Japan Breastfeeding Support Council

The council is composed of four organizations dedicated to promoting a supportive environment for breastfeeding in Japan, with a long-standing commitment to maternal and infant health. These organizations include:

• - Japan Breastfeeding Association (Head Office: Nakano, Tokyo, President: Yoshihisa Nagayama)
• - Japan Society of Lactation Consultants (Head Office: Shinagawa, Tokyo, President: Kazuki Mizuno)
• - Japan Lactation Consultant Association (Head Office: Bunkyo, Tokyo, President: Hiroshi Takimoto)
• - La Leche League Japan (Head Office: Shijonawate, Osaka, President: Hitomi Iimura)

For further inquiries or to access resources, visit the Japan Breastfeeding Support Council website.

By ensuring that quality breastfeeding support is rooted in standard practices, the Japan Breastfeeding Support Council forges a path toward successful breastfeeding for families across the nation.