GUINEA: Between baby and breast milk

"Breastfeeding is almost universally practiced in Guinea. The problem, health experts say, is that it is rarely early or exclusive - both recommended for optimal health...Seeing positive experiences of other women and their babies is a powerful motivator for changing feeding practices, according to a study by aid group Action Against Hunger - Spain conducted in Conakry’s Matoto District. Beliefs that can work against breastfeeding - including that sexual relations could make breast milk dangerous for a baby - are heavily ingrained and are applied by 50 percent of Matoto’s population, the study found. Therefore significant improvement will take time, the report says. 'However, people who have benefited from nutrition education programmes in the past and who have changed their practices can be effective in educating others in the community.'"