Table 3.

BFCI Eight‐Point plan, Kenya

1. Have a written MIYCN policy summary statement that is routinely communicated to all health providers, community health volunteers, and the community members.

2. Train all healthcare providers and community health volunteers, to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement the MIYCN policy.

3. Promote optimal maternal nutrition among women and their families.

4. Inform all pregnant women and lactating women and their families about the benefits of breastfeeding and risks of artificial feeding.

5. Support mothers to initiate breastfeeding within 1 hr of birth and establish and maintain exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. Address any breastfeeding problems.

6. Encourage sustained breastfeeding beyond 6 months to 2 years or more, alongside the timely introduction of appropriate, adequate, and safe complementary foods while providing holistic care (physical, psychological, spiritual, and social) and stimulation of the child.

7. Provide a welcoming and supportive environment for breastfeeding families.

8. Promote collaboration between healthcare staff, CMSG, M2MSG, and the local community. Content has been developed for each step to guide the CHVs in counselling.