The IYCF Practical Skills Orientation Facilitators' Manual is suitable for health staff including birth attendants, ANC providers, facility In-Charges and service providers who are in contact with pregnant women, mothers in delivery rooms and their newborn infants, mothers of children 0-6 months and children 6-24 months. Such staff may include midwives, nurses, doctors, health care assistants, nutritionists, TBAs, peer supporters, CHEWs and other staff.

The orientation equips participants with the knowledge and skill base necessary to support and counsel mothers to 1) initiate early, breastfeeding of their infants within one hour of delivery; 2) practice exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months and; 3) give diverse diets to their children from 6-24 months. Participants are also expected to support their health facilities to strengthen the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and abide by the BMS code.

Health facilities may use sections in this manual to provide short orientation/refresher sessions for staff on specific topics.