Aim:
To understand the value of human milk and support breastfeeding and infant feeding practices using evidenced-based information, and the current social, cultural, and political infant feeding context.Learning outcomes:
1. To understand the value of human milk and breastfeeding including the main constituents of human milk and the short- and long-term health impacts of breastfeeding and human milk.
2. To understand and be able to support infant feeding including the anatomy and physiology of lactation and practices which support this; the role of the dietitian in maximising breastfeeding and the use of human milk; the role of the dietitian in supporting and advocating for breastfeeding; support when babies are not breastfed including the care of sick and preterm infants; and formula feeding and the introduction of other foods.
3. To be aware of the infant feeding context including the wider social, cultural and political influences on infant feeding and the impact of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (the Code) on the dietitian’s practice