Abstract This paper discusses the position of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN), in relation to breastfeeding. The paper discusses the physical and psychosocial benefits for both the mother and child, of prolonged breastfeeding. It then discusses the promotion and support for mothers with new babies.
From the Paper "Literature Review Table will follow separately INTRODUCTION Many health organizations recommend a prolonged duration of breastfeeding. Both the World Health Organization and the United Nations maintain that breastfeeding causes physical and psychosocial benefits for the mother and child. Promotion and support for breastfeeding have become national public health priorities recently. "The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, continuing to 1 year or beyond" (Taveras et al., 2003, p. 108)."
Abstract This paper states that breastfeeding in public is legal in the United States. The author points out that, despite this legality, for some people, the sight of a mother breastfeeding in public is a cause of discomfort. The paper relates that public health officials and even the laws agree that mothers should have the right to breastfeed in public; however, the debate against public breastfeeding brings to mind the issues surrounding pornography and art that, if it aims to titillate, it is classified as porn. The author summarizes the many benefits of breastfeeding for the child and mother and concludes that not breastfeeding on demand in public can deprive both mother and infant of these benefits.
Outline:
Introduction
The Law: a Rundown of Statutes from all 50 States about Breastfeeding in Public
It's One's Right: Benefits of Breastfeeding It's One's Right: The Impediments of Breastfeeding in Public, Specifically at Work
It's One's Right: Explicit Reasons Why Breastfeeding in Public is Okay
Alternatives to Breastfeeding in Public
From the Paper "In 2005, a different kind of protest spread from the Internet, to the streets, and outside the ABC headquarters. The culprit was Barbara Walters' comment on "The View" that the sight of a woman breast-feeding her child beside her on a plane made her uncomfortable. Outside the ABC headquarters, which airs "The View", some women were breastfeeding their babies in full view of everyone. Some held up placards and signs that denounced both Walters and her program. Amy Harmon writes that this was probably the first overt manifestation of a movement called "lactivism" or women who wants their right to breastfeed in public recognized."
This article provides a critique of the article "Breastfeeding duration in an Australian population" by Blyth, et al, which discusses the impact of modifiable risk factors on breastfeeding duration.
Abstract In this paper, the writer discusses an article "Breastfeeding Duration in an Australian Population: The Influence of Modifiable Antenatal Factors." by Blyth, R., M. Mid, D. Creedy, C. Dennis, W. Moyle, J. Pratt, S. De Vries & Healy, G. The writer maintains that the modifiable factors discussed in the article have implications for nursing interventions, and all of the researchers who conducted this study are nurses. The writer notes that even though almost all mothers initiate breastfeeding, the current trend around the world is that one-half of those mothers discontinue the practice by one month postpartum and very few are breastfeeding at a later time. This critique assesses the value of the modifiable factors isolated by the researchers, along with the validity of the findings. The writer concludes that modifiable factors do not actually predict breastfeeding duration but they are a reliable source of nursing information about breastfeeding behavior.
From the Paper "The authors include a literature review that focuses on the decline of breastfeeding and on factors identified in other research which affect the duration of the practice. Among the non-modifiable factors is being economically deprived, or being a member of an ethnic or racial group with inadequate language skills. The modifiable factors include the presence of social support, being provided with essential information, the intention to breastfeed, and confidence with breastfeeding. One of the most formidable obstacles to effective breastfeeding and its duration is lack of needed information by the mother. Most research suggests that when information is provided, breastfeeding will be initiated and its duration will be extended. The authors point out that there is no real consensus about the effectiveness of health teaching, however. The researchers also note the significance given by previous studies to social support. Support from family members can result in three times the likelihood of breastfeeding and a support network also is influential."
Abstract The paper examines the declining rates of breastfeeding, particularly among low-income and working mothers, with the intent to support increasing those levels among those populations. The paper describes the physiology of lactation, explores the barriers to breastfeeding and looks at the Hispanic community that experiences one of the largest deficits in overall rates of breast feeding. The paper discusses the post-delivery care when a lot of attention must be paid to helping women become active breast-feeders and relates that the quality and standards of care vary widely among the urban areas, states and individual practitioners. The paper discusses the role of nurse practitioners who must encourage their patients to breastfeed since breastfeeding has an overall positive life-long impact upon the health of a child.
Outline:
Physiology of Lactation
Barriers to Breastfeeding Population
Current Standards of Care after Delivery
The Role of Nurse Practitioners
Increasing Knowledge of Breastfeeding in the Practice
From the Paper "Breastfeeding has, until relatively recently in our cultural history, been an unavoidable part of life throughout the entire world. But, in the "modern" era, a wave engulfed many mothers, particularly during the mid-twentieth century, which promoted the use of "formula", or manufactured powders that were thought to be nutritionally superior to mother's milk and, less potentially offensive to others (puritanical morals being what they were in the 1940's through mid 1960's). We now live in a world where advertisers say "breast milk is best", but then push the ease and benefits of their manufactured products. Women increasingly turn to formula when they cannot or will not breastfeed in public, or are otherwise forced to use methods such as breast pumps in order to feed their children while managing a job or otherwise busy schedule. Several studies have shown that there have been a series of declines in particular populations of the number of women breastfeeding at various times followed by upswings in other populations or communities."
Tags: lactation, formula, prenatal, care, Hispanics, Mexicans
Abstract In this article, the writer examines Jean Penrose Arlotti's article, "Breastfeeding among Low-Income Women with and without Peer Support", which discusses the effects of peer support on breastfeeding among low-income women during the first three months after giving birth. The writer notes that the problem identified in the article was the busy lifestyle of women that interfered with breastfeeding and the lack of prenatal education and support regarding breastfeeding given to low-income women. The writer concludes that the study is clear and concise and could be replicated sufficiently with the proper sample group and support participants.
Outline:
Purpose of Study and Identify Problem
Examine Literature Review
The Study Framework or Theoretical Perspective
Research Objectives, Questions, or Hypotheses
Sample Setting
Measurement Instrument Used in the Study
Procedures for Data Collection
Statistical Analyses Used
Researcher's Interpretation of Findings
Study Limitations Identified by the Researcher
Researcher Generalization of Findings
Implications of the Findings for Nursing
Suggestions for Further Study
The Study is Sufficiently Clear to Replicate
From the Paper "The independent variables that were operational within the study included whether the participants belonged to a group with a peer counselor or a group without a peer counselor; whether the women belonged to a breastfeeding class; whether the women knew others who breastfed; and whether each woman was given support for breastfeeding. The conceptual independent variable was the mother's career plans after birth. The operational dependent variables in the study dealt with the actual amount of time the women in the study breastfed their babies, while the conceptual dependant variables included peer support, family support, and the effects of breastfeeding education. The research variable, both conceptually and operationally was the time frame that the study was conducted within. The demographic variables used in the study were age of the breastfeeding woman; her education level; marital status; race or ethnicity; her career plans after the child's birth; and whether she planned to breast or bottle-feed her child, or both."
Abstract This paper describes a program that will be instituted at the Bothwell Regional Health Center to promote breastfeeding. The author describes the informational materials that will be used and explains that the Hospital will set up the educational program for the benefit of parents and the general public, and will involve all personnel dealing with prenatal, perinatal and postnatal care. In particular, the entire Department of Obstetrics, from doctors and nurses to clerks and non-medical staff, will be required to undergo training. The author describes some of the nutritional, physiological, social and psychological benefits of breastfeeding, and concludes that by implementing this program the Bothwell Regional Health Center hopes to help and inform new mothers fully and capably.
Outline:
The Program
The Benefits of Breastfeeding
From the Paper "The Hospital will be procuring a video to supplement formal instruction on breastfeeding techniques. The video will be shown as part of the training seminars, which will be conducted for staff personnel. The seminars will also feature resource speakers. Each participant will be give an informational kit that contains more information on breastfeeding, its benefits, along with more technical discussion like contraindication, and special guidelines for the health workers. Each member of the obstetrics department, along with other departments, will be expected to provide assistance to the new mother, and provide breastfeeding counseling to pregnant and lactating mothers."
Abstract This paper briefly weighs the "pros" and the "cons" of breastfeeding. The position of the paper is that breastfeeding is the most nutritious option for an infant, but that women might have disease complications or lifestyle options which hinder their ability to breastfeed.
Abstract The paper discusses how artificial teats are used as alternatives when a mother is unable to breastfeed, or as a supplement to breastfeeding. The paper details how pacifiers, especially, are in widespread use all over the world. The paper discusses how sore nipples, milk insufficiency, tiredness and maternal depression are among the reasons for the use of artificial teats. The writer argues that despite pervasive use of artificial teats, there is little understanding of the effects produced by this practice on breastfeeding. In addition, there are contradictions within the research regarding the use of artificial teats.
Abstract This paper is a literature review discussing the benefits of breastfeeding. The paper discusses the reason why breastfeeding is so strongly encouraged by the World Health Organization (WHO). It then discusses the results of studies suggesting the benefits for the child as reduced chances of infectious diseases and the mother having less chance of breast cancer.
From the Paper " Literature Review Introduction Breastfeeding is strongly encouraged by the World Health Organization (WHO) because it results in many benefits for both mother and child. Among the benefits for the child are reduced chances of infectious diseases; the mother has less chance of breast cancer (Winterburn & Fraser, 2000). According to Heck et al. (2003), although women actually should breastfeed for a year, the majority of women stop breastfeeding after just a few months. Stopping breastfeeding early is related to a short postpartum hospital stay. The research question guiding the literature review is: How does the length of postpartum hospital stay affect the duration of breastfeeding in childbearing women? There are factors involved in a short length of stay in hospital postpartum that ensure mothers will stop breastfeeding."
Abstract This paper attempts to determine the foundation of the best approach to be used in resolving the decline in breast feeding. The paper concentrates on facts and issues pertaining to the use of the bio-cultural approach. The paper also tries to ascertain and determine the relationship between the bio-cultural, socio-economic and cultural aspects of breastfeeding and how this relationship affects the behavioral patterns of mother and infant. The primary basis of this study is mothers and infants from the Philippines.
Contents:
Introduction
Bio-Cultural Approach in Breastfeeding Conclusion
From the Paper "Among the other theoretical approaches in anthropological studies, the bio-cultural model is considered to be the preferred applicable approach in understanding breastfeeding and facilitating ways and means for mothers to breastfeed. This model is an approach commonly used by anthropologist. Anthropology is the social science which studies the relationship between biology and culture. Culture is defined by anthropologists as a people's way of life. Anthropologists consider humans to be biological organisms that continuously adjust and modify their environment through culture. For a long period of time, anthropologists have been trying to find ways to collect data regarding the behavioral pattern of humans, especially females, in breastfeeding and weaning their young. Anthropologists upholds that a practice such as breast feeding which has nourished and provided sustenance to human children since the earliest known humans must have affected and imparted benefits for both mothers and infants."
Abstract The paper discusses how breastmilk can contribute to an infant's physical, cognitive and emotional development but goes on to explore why, despite well-founded benefits, breastfeeding rates remain low in all parts of the world. The paper looks at the literature to determine what is being done to encourage breastfeeding and then explains the implications for nursing professionals.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review: What is Being Done?
Implication for Nursing
From the Paper "Child malnutrition is one of the most widespread problems the world faces until now. It has been associated to high rates of morbidity and mortality among children in the developing countries. Child malnutrition has been associated with a number of factors that can be addressed by the society. Some of these are poverty and the family's socio-economic status, availability of food and poor diet, immunization, and breastfeeding practice (Brenna, McDonald, Shlomowitz, 2003). In fact, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months could decrease mortality among children younger than 5 years old to 13% (UNICEF, 2007). South Asia has the highest morbidity and mortality rates among children younger than 5 years old: 70 million children younger than 5 years are from South Asia, and are unlikely to achieve their full growth and development (South Asia Breastfeeding Partners Forum, 2007)."
Abstract This paper is an analysis of a very specific issue: the transmission of the HIV virus by African women who breastfeed their infants. The problem is complex, and includes a host of issues, the main one being cultural.
Abstract Breast milk, long believed the ideal form through which children could require their sustenance, is now questioned by some as being less nutritious than the modern manufactured alternatives. Those who argue in favor of breast milk maintain that there is no better substitute for this natural food source, and that seeking alternatives has the potential to harm the infant's earliest developmental processes. This paper briefly looks at the positive and the negative impacts of breastfeeding in order to clarify the pros and cons of the use of breast milk.
From the Paper "However, there is evidence which suggests that not all cases of nursing infants are best nourished through breast milk. There are conditions through which a nursing infant has the ability to put either the mother at risk (e.g.: when the mother suffers from diabetes) or that the illness or the lifestyle of the mother has the ability to put the infant's life, health, and overall well-being at risk. The latter scenario is far too common, where a mother who chooses a harmful lifestyle or who is on medication has the ability to pass trace substances to her developing child. Many manufactures of drugs or supplements run auxiliary tests to determine the potential to transmit these substances from mother to child through breast feeding, and will often caution physicians if there is a possibility of risk. "
Abstract The paper discusses how a great deal of confusion still exists regarding the link between artificial teats and breastfeeding among pre-term infants. This paper analyzes a study which has attempted to resolve that confusion. The study was a randomized controlled trial. This analysis follows the guidelines for critiquing research in order to study and assess the structure of the experiment.
Abstract This paper explains that new mothers may not be aware of the benefitsof breasfeeding and that it must be promoted as a health activity. The paper then describes a research design that will compare 10 new mothers in a hospital neonatal unit who receive health teaching about breastfeeding and peer support from more experienced mothers to a control group of 10new mothers who receive health teaching only.
Table of Contents:
Statement of the Problem and Purpose
Literature Review
Theoretical Framework
Research Question
Hypothesis #1
Sampling Strategy
Data Collection
Research Design
Statistical Analysis
Hypothesis #2
Research Design
Conclusion
From the Paper "Peer support for new mothers includes individual counseling and support between mothers, the rationale being that social support networks influence decisions and practices. Peer support is cost-effect and can be culturally appropriate and individually designed to promote breastfeeding, and studies demonstrate its effectiveness in the rates of initiation and duration. Pisacane, Grazia and Continisio (2005) conducted a controlled trial to determine how fathers can influence breastfeeding outcomes. The hypothesis was that when fathers prevent and manage breastfeeding problems, the duration of breastfeeding will be prolonged."
