Regional Training on Evidence-Based Infant Feeding and Neonatal Care
Dr. Kafia Hashim Karim is a Lecturer at the College of Nursing, Hawler Medical University, and holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Pediatric Nursing. Her academic and clinical expertise focus on neonatal and maternal health. She actively contributes to strengthening professional competencies in breastfeeding and infant-care practices across the region.
A specialized training course was delivered for healthcare professionals from Erbil, Halabja, Sulaymaniyah, Soran, Duhok, Zakho, Kalar, Ranya, and Qasre. This program, organized by UNICEF, took place on November twenty-five and twenty-six at the Van Royal Hotel in Erbil.
The focus of the training was on essential practices related to newborn and maternal feeding. Throughout the sessions, several seminars were delivered covering a wide range of clinical and practical topics.
Training Sessions Overview
Relactation
Steps, timelines, techniques, and how to monitor progress effectively.
Induced Lactation
Protocols for non-gestational mothers, including both hormonal and non-hormonal methods.
Drip-Drop Feeding Method
Guidelines on indications, preparation, and safe implementation for infants.
Supplementary Suckling Technique (SST)
Procedure details, the benefits of SST, and its role in promoting mother–infant bonding.
Monitoring During Relactation
Strategies for tracking key indicators such as weight gain, diaper output, feeding cues, and milk-transfer signs.
Breastmilk Expression
Techniques for hand expression and pump use, along with proper storage guidelines and counseling tips for mothers.
Cup Feeding
Detailed instructions on the technique, safety steps, and scenarios in which cup feeding is preferred over bottle feeding.
Feeding Low-Birth-Weight (LBW) and Premature Infants
Recommendations for feeding volumes, frequency, methods, and effective monitoring of these vulnerable infants.
Amount of Milk per Feed
Age-appropriate volume recommendations, daily intake requirements, and how to identify signs of inadequate intake.
Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)
Overview of the benefits, step-by-step practical implementation, and the importance of early KMC for premature and LBW babies.
Impact of the Training
This training significantly enhanced the capacity of healthcare professionals to deliver evidence-based breastfeeding support, improve infant nutrition, and elevate neonatal care standards throughout the Kurdistan region. By equipping healthcare providers with the necessary knowledge and skills, healthier outcomes for mothers and their infants were promoted.