Promoting breast-feeding--a successful regional project in Japan

According to Health and Welfare Ministry figures (1985), 95% of pregnant women wished to breast-feed their baby, and the number of breast-fed newborns is increasing annually. Nevertheless, the Ministry reports that only 49.5% of one-month-old babies are still being breast-fed. In 1977, Ina Health Center established Mother-Baby Clinics, offering education about breast-feeding. The Center also started research in 1983, with the cooperation of the Kami-Ina Public Health Nurses' Association, into infant feeding styles. Since then, the local breast-feeding rate has risen well above the national average. This paper presents practical guidance toward encouraging successful breast-feeding. First, timely advice must be offered to pregnant women, to establish a correct understanding of the importance of breast-feeding. The mother's strong intention is a major factor, as is support from people around her--family, employer, health care professionals. The most important period for establishing breast-feeding is the first three months. Adequate milk secretion, good breast condition, and proper sucking are also crucial. Education and further research are still needed.