Improving food security through training in counseling for infant feeding in rural areas

Ma del Carmen Casanovas Vargas; Ana María Aguilar Liendo; Raúl Vidal A.; Johnny Alanoca; Tatiana Pari; José Luís San Miguel

Abstract

The ability of resilience to maintain food and nutrition security of the population requires protecting life systems against crises, disasters and strengthening family food production to counteract these effects in the long term. The project "Strengthen the resilience capacity of life systems based on the native potato in the municipality of Tiahuanacu" assumes the promotion of breastfeeding as a practice that ensures the basis of food security in children under two years, added to other local products such as native potatoes with higher iron and zinc content. In order to maintain or improve current breastfeeding rates, a counseling course was scheduled for two weeks, the methodology of the course was theoretical and participatory practice, the theoretical sessions included dialogue conferences, role plays, demonstrations, written exercises, the practical sessions were conducted in the classroom and in the maternity service of the Bolivian-Dutch Hospital, external consultation of the Tiahuanacu Health Center. All participants acquired basic skills in counseling, breastfeeding and complementary feeding and demonstrated them in practical sessions in the classroom or health facilities. An evaluation was made to the participants of Tiahuanaco in three moments; This evaluation showed that the participants acquired adequate skills in counseling, breastfeeding and complementary feeding. The skills acquired enabled the participants to promote skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding within the first hour of life and ensure that mothers practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of their babies' lives. It is important to include the promotion of adequate breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in any food security program, as well as to disseminate knowledge about the relationship between breastfeeding and food security.