On 7^th December 2009: breastfeeding promotion counseling program (initiated by VHAG in association with Directorate of Health Services).

There is no bond quite special as the one between a mother and her baby. Breast milk is the best nutrition for the baby as it meets all the demands of nutrition, affection, stimulation and protection against infection thereby giving the babies best start in life. Breastfeeding is natural. Like mothers love, there is no substitute for mother’s milk. It is a rewarding experience that benefits both the mother and the baby. Having convinced of the fact that the breastfed babies are healthier with stronger immune system, VHAG in collaboration with DHS initiated this program initially in two district hospitals with a part time counselor but today it has 4 full time counselors in Goa Medical College, Asilo and Hospicio. 

Aim of the project is to assist three Hospitals (GMC, Asilo & Hospicio) in implementing the 10 steps / guidelines of UNICEF to become a Baby Friendly Hospital. These health counselors conduct individual & group counseling sessions on the importance of breastfeeding at the Gynecology and Pediatric OPD as well as in postnatal wards on a daily basis. 

The counselors with the help of the Flip chart, posters and other IEC materials counsel the mothers on the following:                                                                                                                                              

• The importance of breastfeeding.
• Disadvantages of bottle feeding.
• Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months.
• Nutrition for mother and child.
• Supplementary food after six months.
• Family planning.
• Benefits of breastfeeding both to the mother and the baby, etc. 

The Activities under this project performed by our breastfeeding counselor are:-

1. The counseling is extended to the in-laws and relatives because it is they who encourages the mothers not to breastfeed their babies.
2. The correct technique of breastfeeding was shown to the prime-mothers and hence was advised on how to do it properly.
3. When the mothers revisited the hospital for immunization and postnatal visits, they were interviewed again to check whether they have been following the instructions given to them on breastfeeding.