High

The daily application of chlorhexidine to the umbilical cord stump in the first postnatal week is a recommendation that depends on the settings.

The only scenario that supports its use is where traditionally noxious substances (e.g., animal manure) are used on the umbilical cord. In newborns with unhygienic cord care (defined as the use of noxious substances on the cord, such as dust, clay, mud, and animal manure), chlorhexidine reduced mortality.

In addition to the implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Human Milk Substitutes, other complementary actions are needed to promote the optimal feeding of infant and young children. The Breastfeeding Promotion Initiative led by WHO and UNICEF, aims to increase global commitment to breastfeeding. In addition to achieving full implementation of the code through strong legal measures, the initiative's call to action urges governments, donors and partners to do the following:
• Increase funding for breastfeeding promotion initiatives.

Any type of promotion of breastmilk substitutes, bottles and teats should be completely prohibited at health care facilities, as established by the International Code of Marketing of Human Milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant resolutions of the World Health Assembly. In addition, no free or subsidized donations of breast milk substitutes or other products, gifts or samples may be given to health workers at any health system facility.

Regarding the administration of feeding the premature newborns in intensive care areas, the written breastfeeding policy should explicit issues related to the:

If the newborn’s clinical condition is favorable, skin-to-skin contact should be initiated immediately after birth.

The vital signs of mother and baby should be checked regularly to monitor their well-being. The person accompanying the patient, family member, doula or health care staff should monitor the woman’s wakefulness to protect the newborn’s safety in this vulnerable period.

The International Code of Marketing of Human Milk Substitutes requires appropriate actions to enforce its principles and objectives, including the adoption of national laws and regulations or other relevant measures. All actions should be made public. Since the code is a minimum requirement, governments can adopt additional measures - potentially more stringent than those set out in the code - and make them legally binding.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most serious morbidities in preterm infants (PTNB). It is an inflammatory disease of the bowel that can cause perforation of the gut and peritonitis. Its underlying cause would be multifactorial. Some theories blame intestinal mucosal injury, inflammation and the presence of abnormal gut colonization.

Feeding PTNBs with human milk (HM) seems to have a preponderant role in the reduction of NEC, even if the supply of HM is partial.

Interventions to support responsive caregiving during the postnatal period should focus on promoting positive interactions and strengthening the caregiver/infant relationship.

Health care workers should encourage mothers, fathers, and other caregivers to be aware and responsive, responding to the child's needs, cues, clues, behaviors, and desires.

It is important to encourage caregivers to develop skills in the contexts of play, communication and feeding, such as breastfeeding on demand.

It is important to close the gap in the possibilities that women have to breastfeed their children since breastfeeding can act as a factor of equality in society.

Human milk is the best nutrition for children at a time when the epigenetic foundations for health and development are being established. Everyone has the right to access breast milk.

It is essential that no one is left behind, especially vulnerable mothers who may need additional support to reduce inequalities in the ability to breastfeed.

This World Breastfeeding Week, let’s appreciate breastfeeding mums and ensure they get the support they need.

Breastfeeding support comes in many forms – from staff welcoming breastfeeding in your local café to helpful advice from a health worker or maternity protections from your government.

These all help protect the health and rights of women and babies