The Global Initiative for Mother Support GIMS for Breastfeeding

What is mother support? Mother support is any support provided to mothers for the purpose of improving breastfeeding for both the mother and the baby. Aim of GIMS To create an appropriate environment of awareness and support for a mother to initiate and sustain breastfeeding.

Vision of GIMS Every woman, irrespective of her circumstance of residence, will have lay, professional and social support for breastfeeding and will receive the necessary information, education and encouragement enabling her to have the breastfeeding experience she and her child want.

 The Golden Bow Initiative

THE MANY FACES OF MOTHER SUPPORT  Pregnancy  Childbirth and the immediate beginning of breastfeeding  Continuation of breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond

Pregnancy  MIDWIFE Reminds the woman that breastfeeding requires patience and commitment  HEALTH CLINIC Has photos of breastfeeding women on the walls, a poster announcing a mother support group meeting and a table with breastfeeding information  FATHER OF THE BABY Learns all he can about breastfeeding

 COMPANIES Use images of breastfeeding women in their advertisements  RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS Encourage classes for childbirth support and breastfeeding  COMMUNITY BREASTFEEDING COUNSELOR Facilitates support groups for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to share information and practical tips

Childbirth and the Initiation of Breastfeeding  MATERNITY FACILITY Becomes accredited as a Baby-Friendly Hospital  NURSE Places the baby on the abdomen of the mother for them to begin the bonding process  FATHER OF THE BABY Is with the mother during labor and birth

 DOCTOR Examines the baby while the baby remains in the mother’s arms  GOVERNMENT Promotes and provides conditions for a safe and humane birth

Continuation of Breastfeeding  FATHER OF THE BABY Tells the mother she is more beautiful than ever and gives the baby a bath so that the mother can rest  SHOPPING CENTER There are spacious and comfortable locations within the shopping center for breastfeeding mothers  TEEN BROTHER OF THE MOTHER Takes the older child out for a walk so the mother can rest with the new baby

 GRANDFATHER OF THE MOTHER Shares his memories of the value of colostrum for the animals that he raised on his farm. Is very proud of his granddaughter and shows it  DOCTOR Tells the mother to contact him/her at any time if the mother has a problem or a doubt  GOVERNMENT Provides a framework of legal protection for the breastfeeding mother and supports her through nutrition programs

 BABY Gazes into the mother’s eyes while at the breast, letting her know how wonderful it is to be a breastfed baby!

Examine your own role or roles as a support element of breastfeeding. Join the Task Force and move GIMS forward. Surround each and every woman with support.