I chose the topic breastfeeding because I feel that it is very important to do, but my grandmother, mother, and sister all had problems with producing milk and so I am not sure if I will even be able to breastfeed my children. There is a special bond that comes from breastfeeding and after learning all of the benefits that come from it, I definitely hope it is something I can do, someday.
Breastfeeding has benefits that are able to help the baby, as well as the mother. "According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast milk has the complete nutritional requirements that a baby needs for healthy development. Furthermore, it is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants and boost immunity." Breastfeeding is the most natural way for babies to eat; it has been done as long as there have been humans. There are some countries who have higher rates of breastfeeding than others. Breastfeeding is becoming more and more popular in the United States, which is an improvement from what the rates were earlier. In 2011, nearly 80% of infants had been breastfed.
Breastfeeding in Malawi
I chose to find information about breastfeeding in Malawi. There are not a lot of women who exclusively breastfeed because women who are HIV positive lose weight and feel lethargic from breastfeeding (Ryhove, 2015). There is also the concern of HIV being passed to the infant while being breastfed, but it is not very likely. An interesting tradition that the people in Malawi have is that within the first 48 hours after birth, the paternal grandmother advises whether or not mixed feeding should begin because it is perceived that they are key decision makers in good parenting (Ryhove, 2015).
I have learned that although there are many benefits that come from breastfeeding, it may not always be the most ideal situation for the mother and child. I still believe that if the mother is able, it is definitely a more preferable source of feeding the child. My opinions have changed of how I feel about breastfeeding. Up until recently I wasn't very concerned about being able to breastfeed, but after learning more about the benefits, it is something I hope to be able to provide my children with and encourage other mothers to be able to breastfeed their children.
References
Ryhove, S. (2015). Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding exclusive breastfeeding in Southern Africa. Polityorg.za. Retrieved from
http://www.polity.org.za/article/knowledge-attitudes-and-practices-regarding-exclusive-breastfeeding-in-southern-africa---part-1-2012-12-05
No comments:
Post a Comment