MIDWIFERY: AN INVESTIGATION OF THE BENEFITS AND SUCCESS OF BREASTFEEDING FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS


 


 


Introduction


 


 


According to  (1976), the term ‘midwives’ applies to anyone in the position which has been socially differentiated as a specialized status by the society, given that that person is regarded as a specialist and a professional in her own eyes and by her community. The status of midwives can basically be influenced by four factors namely: geography; technology; the structure of society; and the culture of the people served by the midwife ( 1996). Midwives are in charge to many types of care, most specifically care related to maternity and labor. They are concerned with or about the dilemmas presented by conflicts in a wide range of issues such as: preconception care; genetic counseling; genetic engineering; fetal medicine; infertility; the reproductive revolution; screening for fetal abnormality; termination of pregnancy; contraception; care of abnormal babies; care of preterm babies; care of damaged or dying babies; care of disabled mothers; care of dying mothers; care of very young mothers; incest; child abuse; and advice and care throughout pregnancy, labor and postnatal period (1996)


 


            One of the specific tasks of midwives is to promote breastfeeding to mothers who have recently given birth. Breastfeeding can be commended as one of the most recommended child healthcare strategy to date, as the World Health Organization, health care associations, and government health agencies affirm the scientific evidence of the clear superiority of human milk and of the hazards of artificial milk products (2003). The breast milk that mothers’ produce has been proven to enhance immune system and resist infections, protect babies from chronic disease, and provide nutritional, physical and mental benefits ( 2003). However, despite recommendations, the time or duration to which breastfeeding is said to be implemented, is surrounded with contradictions as different nations and institutions recommend different breastfeeding times. For instance, the Canadian Pediatric Society, Dieticians of Canada and Health Canada have recommended exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first 4 months of life, then continuation of breast-feeding along with complementary foods for up to 2 years and beyond; while the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended exclusive breast-feeding for approximately the first 6 months after birth and continued breast-feeding for at least 12 months and thereafter for as long as mutually desired ( 2004). It is said that the success of breastfeeding depends on the time and duration of its practice. This is because babies have certain and changing needs during the first months onwards. In the first 6 months, babies need an iron-fortified formula which can be readily given by breast milk ( 2005). The duration of 0 to 6 months is basically the determinant of effective breastfeeding as it is said that this period is a crucial stage in the baby’s health, although there are several experts who claim that 0 to 4 months will already do. This study will test and determine the benefits of extending the breastfeeding of babies to 6 months. The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not 0 to 6 months breastfeeding has more benefits compared to 0 to 4 months.


 


Research Questions


 


 


            In a recent study by the World Health Organization (2002), it was found that infants who continue exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months or more appear to have a significantly reduced risk of one or more episodes of gastrointestinal infection. Furthermore, the study also found that breastfeeding through 6 months is associated with delayed resumption of menses and more rapid postpartum weight loss in the mother (WHO, 2002). Recently, Health Canada (2004) has also agreed with these findings and starting to promote them through the publishing of white papers in the Internet. This study, however, questions such findings because even though it founded several benefits of 6 month breastfeeding, results may be different on other respondents and settings. Thus, this study will try to confirm such findings by addressing the following research questions:


 


1.      What are the benefits of breastfeeding to both mother and baby from 0 to 6 months?


2.      What are the perceptions of mothers on breastfeeding?


3.      Are mothers aware of the advantages of breastfeeding from 0 to 6 months?


4.      Is breastfeeding from 0 to 6 months really related with reduced risks of gastrointestinal infections, delayed resumption of menses and more rapid postpartum weight loss for mothers?


 


Rationale of the Study


 


            The purpose of conducting this study is to validate and affirm the benefits of breastfeeding from 0 to 6 months. This may contribute to the development and growth of research and studies concerning breastfeeding, which may help in promoting them to mothers. Furthermore, it may also help correct the duration of practicing breastfeeding, if ever, given that the results will show it is more advantageous to practice it within 0 to 6 months.


 


Methodology


The research will exploratory because it aims to know more about the phenomenon of breastfeeding. This qualitative study will conduct primary and secondary research.


In primary research, 10 mothers who have recently given birth and practice breastfeed will be interviewed and will be subjected into case studies. The respondents will be asked what advantages from breastfeeding they have observed.


Secondary data will be obtained from related literatures. The data will be analyzed using qualitative analysis.


 


 


 


 


 


 



Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com


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