Discussion postings on Breast Feeding Support

Here are three discussion postings about breast feeding support. I need to know whether you agree or disagree and if you agree (Why) if you disagree (Why). 1) Bridget stated the following about the topic: Social Implications Some social implications that may affect The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is how some may perceive how they will be viewed in society. Breastfeeding is still looked down upon by some and some mothers may be reluctant to breastfeed for this reason. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is working to make breastfeeding the "norm" in birthing type centers and hopefully will result in more mothers feeling comfortable with breastfeeding. On the other side of that there are mothers who aren't able or don't choose to breast feed and they should not be made to feel abnormal or bad for not wanting or being able to breastfeed. Economic Implications Breastfeeding is definitely the more economic way to go and it is said that it can reduce the childs risks of certain diseases later in life which will also save on future health care costs. Formula is expensive and with The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative not allowing free samples or coupons for formula that can add to costs for the new mom that has to use it. "Other economic implications must include the health-producing effects of breastfeeding, and the fact that lactation amenorrhea plays a crucial role in birth spacing, especially in developing countries." (Quoted from: http://www(dot)ncbi(dot)nlm(dot)nih(dot)gov/pubmed/540668) Cultural Implication "Cultural and traditional practices have considerable implications on lactation and breastfeeding, and in the overall well-being and health of mothers and infants. Breastfeeding programs should take into account traditional beliefs and concepts when communicating with families about practices such as food restriction and food avoidance." (Quoted from: http://www(dot)internationalbreastfeedingjournal(dot)com/content/4/1/2) 2) Brook stated the following: The Baby Friendly Initiative on paper looks good; breast feeding is very important for infants and even for the mother. The pros' for breastfeeding are smarter babies, increase immunity to illness, reduce chance of obesity and for the mother it is known to minimize the chance of after-birth depressions. Ten items are listed in Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI), if all are satisfied, the hospital can become a designated “Baby Friendly”-hospital. The BFI includes a list of how many hospitals that designated in each country, for the entire United States the number is 25, for Denmark: 8 and for India: 1250. These numbers I have a hard time understanding. I know that breastfeeding is definitely the norm in both the US and Denmark which should result in a high number, where India on the other hand should be lower. Breast feedings social implications differ from culture to culture; some are completely open when it comes to breastfeeding encourage it while being a taboo in others. Of course the BFI is a great initiative if the goal is to get women to breastfeed, but what if there are complications: inverted nipples, too poor a diet to produce adequate amount of milk. I think that the complications are things that nobody is at fault for an excluding mothers from alternatives is something I see as potentially damaging to the trust between nurses and the mother and possibly damaging to the “new” relationship between mother and child. The economic factor must of course be taken into consideration when working with breastfeeding in developing countries, here the goal of BFI make much more sense to me. The amount of illnesses, harder access to health providers not to mention the strategy from commercial companies to get children hooked on formula instead of breast milk (Arla, 2007) play a role, on top of that is then the factor that there's no additional cost associated with breast milk, only food for the mother, ensuring that both mother and child gets fed. Arla Foods (2007). what issues do you have to consider when marketing products in the third world?. http://www(dot)arla(dot)com/Images/arla.com/PDF/CSR/2007/UK_2007.pdf 3)Tracy stated the following: The baby- friendly hospital initiative is a global effort to increase awareness and support regarding breastfeeding. Currently, 134 countries participate in this initiative with over 15,000 centers classified as baby friendly. The term baby friendly means that the facility has met specific criteria which includes: eliminating the use of low cost or free breast milk products and supplies, institute a breastfeeding policy, communicate that policy to the staff, ensure staff are knowledgeable and able to carry out the policy, educate pregnant women on the benefits of breastfeeding and how to maintain lactation even during separations, assist with initiating breastfeeding soon after the birth, keep mother and infant in the same room, maintain breast milk only status unless medically indicated, do not offer or provide artificial teats or pacifiers, and make sure the mother understands that support is available for her during her hospital stay and after discharge . Breast milk is still considered to be the healthiest option for nutrition of newborns. The baby will receive some passive immunity from viral infections by the transfer of maternal antibodies during breastfeeding. There have also been studies that have indicated the possibility of lower rates of several conditions such as leukemia, diabetes, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and sudden infant death syndrome. Economically speaking, breastfeeding is a good option as it reduces the costs of meeting the infant's nutritional needs. In some cultures early introduction of solid food is practiced while in others the exposure of a breast is considered to be indecent. Views and traditions such as these can lead to difficulties with western views on breastfeeding and nutrition. In these cases it is important to educate the family but allow them to adjust their nutritional plan in accordance with their cultural views as long as is does not put the mother or baby at risk for harm. Unless breastfeeding is contraindicated, there are definite benefits to this means of nutrition. The baby-friendly hospital initiative has been successful in increasing the numbers of nursing mothers and in creating a comfortable supportive environment for new mothers to explore this type of nutrition. References: http://www(dot)unicef(dot)org/programme/breastfeeding/baby.htm#10 Ward, S. L., R.N., P. D., Hisley, S., Hisley, S. M., & Ph.D., S. M. (2011). Maternal-child nursing care / women\'s health companion to maternal-child nursing care. Philadelphia: F A Davis Co.