Public Health (Breastfeeding)

Breastfeeding is a very common and natural way for a mother to feed her newborn infant. There are multiple benefits of breastfeeding. These benefits are not only for the child but also a benefit to the mother as well. One way to assure that an infant receives the appropriate nutrients is for a mother to breastfeed. Children who are breastfed are less likely to become obese. They are well protected from diseases. They are less likely to become sick. They are less likely to have asthma and decrease allergies. They have fewer cavities than children who were not breastfed. Breastfed children have better vision, less ear infections, and higher Q's.

Mothers who breastfeed have a closer connection or bonding with their infant. The infant has the opportunity to be close to the mothers bare skin of her chest during nursing which forms the necessary bonding during the most critical time in an infants life. Mothers who breastfeed do not have to worry about getting up during the night to sterilize nipples and bottles. The mothers breast milk is naturally sterile which eliminates stress on the father or other household members.

Ideally, nutrition starts with colostrum, a thick, high calorie fluid secreted by the m others breast at birth (Berger, 2012). Compared with formula based on cows milk, human milk is sterile; always at body temperature; and rich in iron, vitamins, and other newly discovered nutrients for brain and body (Drover et al., 2009). breast milk is especially protective for preterm babies; if a preterm baby's mother cannot provide breast milk, physicians recommend milk from another woman (Schanle, 2011).

Currently, breast-feeding is practiced worldwide, but it is no longer the only way to feed infants and each culture has particular practices (Berger, 2012). Breast feeding ion China is at it's lowest. There is an overwhelming lack in support for mothers to breastfeed. Formula companies are stressing the mothers the importance of formula feeding their infants. Chinese mothers are rushed to return to work after 4 months of maternity leave. Many of these work cites do not have an adequate place for mothers to breastfeed or pump the breast for milk which makes it very difficult for the mother. even Chinese pediatricians are encouraging mothers to formula feed instead of breast feeding.

Most Chines families want their infants to be chunky and chubby shortly after birth and this is one reason why these mothers want to formula feed. They are not sure if their babies are getting enough to eat to remain chunky. Their doctors and others are suggesting that the formula will fatten up their infant.

This information about breastfeeding is very beneficial to me. I can definitely use it in my work force. I will be able to encourage new mothers of the importance of them breastfeeding their infants. I will be able to share the benefits of the breastfeeding. It provided a close bond and connection between the mother and child and it will also prevent the child from becoming ill with many of the childhood diseases.

Child Birth Experience

When thinking about my personal birthing experience, my memory takes me back to a room filled with crying infants. I do not know whether it was my actual day of birth or one of the days that I spent in the hospital before being released to my mother. The room was very dark and infants as well as myself were crying for a long period of time. I can remember that my bed was in one corner of the very large room. I would see many nurses walking around in the room but not attempting to pick up any of the crying infants. It seems like I cried forever then suddenly this sweet nurse walked over to my little bed and picked me up. She held me and comforted me from my crying. Still till this day I remember the comfort that I felt once I was picked up b y that nurse. This is the only memory that I have as an infant. As an adult I asked my mother if my bed was in a corner area of the nursery and she says that it was. I chose this example to show that infants are aware of how individuals handle and care for them. Often individuals may believe that infants are babes and are not aware of their surroundings but that is not true.

The birthing process is very unique and a special event. I believe that when a mother is mentally and physical well, the chances of her having a joyous birthing experience is great. Socioeconomic status has a huge impact on. Births are tied closely in to child development. The results of birth and any experiences that take place during birth will effect a child. If a mother did not receive the proper amount of nutrition and supplements, the chances of her infant being born under weight are high. If a mother had proper medical care and necessities, likely her infant baby will have great child development experience. But then again, both scenarios can be vise-verse for no given reason.

I studied the birthing process of mother who are from South Africa. These mothers are very strong women. African mothers mostly give birth without any type of medical treatment from hospitals or doctors. African women have been know to give birth of their children sometimes alone. In a squatting position. These women do not have the fine and fancy luxuries as modern women who have 5 star rooms to give birth in. African women do not have central air and heating just the warm heat or cold misty weather to add to the top of their already uncomfortable bodies. I also learned that in 2012, more than 170,000 African women died in pregnancy and child birth due to the lack of medical attention. This is very disturbing!

The similarities of birthing between Americans and African women are the idea of home birthing. American women often choose to give birth in the comfort of their own homes just as African women. American women often opt out of taking medications to ease labor pains and enjoy the natural experiences of giving birth just as African women. The differences is that African women do not have the appropriate medical facilities nor resources for pregnant women who are in labor. African women have to deal with an awful amount of pain without any sort of pain relief. African mothers infants are given to their mother directly after birth and the mother provides all of the nursing and care. These women do not have anyone to take on their duties as a mother while they rest up.

I have come to learn that birthing experience do matter in a child's life. Infants are meant to be welcomed into this world with loving parents who are ready to give their infant much love, attention, and guidance.