Objectives
1. Provide information on the benefits of breastfeeding as opposed to the implementation of formula feeding
2. Describe the reasons why some mothers choose formula over breast milk
3. Describe the relationship between breastfeeding promotion strategies and breastfeeding rates
Background and Prevalence
Breastfeeding has long since been believed to be the most natural and healthy way to feed an infant. Since the beginning of time breastfeeding has been considered the most vital and nourishing connection between mother and child, it has been the provider of essential vitamins and nutrients for the beginning of lives. There are plenty of advantages to mothers’ breastfeeding that …show more content…
This belief has been shown to be echoed by many expectant mothers, as the idea that “breast is best” is one that is not going to change. Studies have shown that different factors such as age, employment, partner support, and timing of the decision to breastfeed all had an impact on a woman’s decision to breastfeed (Scott, Landers, Hughs, & Binns, 2001). With such a large number of outside factors impacting such an enormous decision it is no wonder that it has created such a mixed result when it comes to deciding between formula and breastfeeding. Another study shows that what woman understands about the benefits of breastfeeding are related to an increase in both intent and decision to breastfeed (Chezem, Frieson, & Boettcher, 2003). The responsibility to pass the information regarding the health benefits of breastfeeding falls to the health care providers and different medical staff that mothers will meet with leading up to the birth (Chezem, Frieson, & Boettcher, 2003). Swanson & Power (2005) found that a woman’s partner was the main influence in their decision to breastfeed, however, the nurse ranked second in motivating their …show more content…
The initial distrust of the idea that formula can be a benefit to babies in the first moments of their young lives, is one that has been fed by the understanding that a mother and infant have for nine months, and therefore should continue to share nutrients. A mothers attempts at breastfeeding contribute to that, as the bond has been formed many mothers are reluctant to give up, believing that breast, is best for their baby. Studies have shown that the belief of mothers within NICU is that with lack of breastfeeding their baby will suffer, this is shown to not be the case in the study (Braimoh, J., Davies, L. 2014). The supportive factors of the attending nurses as well as the information that was passed on to the patients involved in the study show that through proper education and an attempt to change the mentality of those that have held on to the idea that “breast is best” can and will come to appreciate what formula or the combination of both can bring to a infants young life (Braimoh, J., Davies, L.