The role of the nurse in promoting breastfeeding

Abstract:

Breastfeeding is a completely natural process during which all the nutritional needs of the child are met. Mother's milk changes its composition and quantity according to the child's needs and provides everything necessary for up to six months without any indication for the introduction of additional feeding. Breast milk is a complex nutrient liquid containing various enzymes, hormones and antibodies that have a positive effect on health and numerous benefits for the child and the mother. Breastfeeding promotion is carried out in the maternity wards, through pregnancy courses, in home visits as part of the community service and with the help of breastfeeding support groups. Difficulties may arise during breastfeeding, requiring the intervention of a nurse in order to eliminate certain problems as simply as possible or at least to reduce them. Nurses play a key role in informing and promoting breastfeeding among pregnant women, mothers in labor and the entire community, and as such the nurse is a very important person because she is the first in contact with future mothers and their main educator and support.

Key words:
breastfeeding; child; nursing