Breastfeeding and Bonding

Essay # 100673

Medical and Health
Psychology > Social

A discussion of whether breast-feeding affects the mother-child relationship.

1,401 words () | 2 sources | APA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes two research papers which examine the correlation between breastfeeding and bonding. This paper briefly examines the results of social influences on women who choose breastfeeding and those who choose bottle-feeding. It explains how research has revealed the inadequacy of the medical profession on the argument of breastfeeding versus bottle-feeding and how this is a serious problem. The paper concludes that more research is necessary in order to determine whether breastfeeding does affect the mother-infant bond.

Outline:
Introduction
Literature on the Breastfeeding Vs. Bottle-feeding Debate
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The cliche that breastfeeding is preferable over bottle-feeding because it helps forge a mother-daughter bond is a common one. Though medical evidence regarding this belief is lacking, general sentiment to date tends to revolve around a preference toward breastfeeding. The number of women who choose to breastfeed their children is growing, primarily owing to public and government health initiatives. However, are women really selecting breastfeeding over bottle-feeding in other to forge a mother-daughter bond? Or are other factors more instrumental?"

Sample of Sources Used:

Nelson, A. M. (2006). Toward a Situation-Specific Theory of Breastfeeding. Research and Theory for Nursing Practice: An International Journal, 20 (1), 9-27
Swanson, V. & Power, K. G. (2004). Initiation and Continuation of Breastfeeding: Theory of Planned Behavior. Journal of Advantaged Nursing, 50 (3), 272-282.