Promotion of Breastfeeding Beyond the Benefits

The SAS or "conversation starter" in the facilitators guide and mother's notebook is designed to uncover "the real reasons" women may be reluctant to breastfeed.  Using a social marketing 3 step communication strategy (ask an open ended question, affirm and provide information targeted to the barrier uncovered in the open ended question)  lively and spirited discussion will occur in group.  The facilitator's challenge is to be sure the correct, evidence based message is provided to reduce the barrier, not enhance it.  The attached article, authored by the person posting this message, is a thorough discussion of this strategy and includes evidence based messages for the most common barriers expressed by women contemplating breastfeeding.   (Breastfeeding  "is NOT supposed to hurt".. get help). Please read this and discuss it among your co facilitators...    Feedback please... I will be watching this thread.   Claire Westdahl CNM MPH