I chose the topic of
breastfeeding because I chose to breastfeed both of my children and believe
that it is one of the best things a mother can do for her children. While I do
understand that not all mother’s may be able to produce milk or breastfeed their
children as long as they wish to due to low milk production I believe every
mother should at least try as breast milk is the best source of nutrition for
children. I was able to breastfeed my daughter for 10 months but was only able
to breastfeed my son for 6 months. Breastfeeding came very easy and naturally
for me after having my daughter. I tried to learn as much as I could prior to
having my daughter and I also took a lactation course during my third trimester
so that I could be prepared when she arrived. My mother and mother in law did
not breastfeed their children so I could not go to them for help. I did not receive
very much encouragement to breastfeed from them because of their lack of
knowledge for the subject and their negative feeling towards it. After the
birth of my daughter they were able to see why I was so determined to breastfeed and was able to educate them and dispel of their preconceived notions
about the process. Looking back at the process I wish that I could have had
more time at home with my children in order to be able to strictly breastfeed
them for the first year of their lives but I had to return to work so I had to
pump and store milk for them to receive while I was away from them. This was
not an easy process and is what led to me having to stop breastfeeding both of
my children due to my milk drying up.
Breastfeeding in Cambodia
The World Health Organization
recommends “exclusively breastfeeding for the
first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health”(WPRO, 2013)
It is also recommended that
breastfeeding continue for up to two years or more while ensuring that the
child receives nutritious and safe foods as their nutritional requirements change
with age.
WHO reported 74%
of infants were exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of their lives in
2010.
“An innovative and engaging
media campaign, coupled with extensive health-worker training and the
establishment of Mother Support Groups resulted in healthy children and a
reduction in the infant mortality rate” (UNICEF, ). The elimination of “roasting”
the process of warming the mother following children birth by layering clothing and staying in a small
room on a bed over hot coals and consumption of wine and herbs to keep
warm has also contributed to the increase. Exclusive breastfeeding also
prohibits the baby from being exposed to dirty water via formula consumption.
Breastfeeding and its Impact on
my Future Work
As the director of a Teen
Parent childcare program, I will continue to share my breastfeeding
experiences and new found information with the teen mothers that I teach and
mentor. I will continue to provide them with the encouragement and resources that
they need to make their experience as comfortable and rewarding as it was for
me and my children.
World
Health Organization (2013). Infant Nutrition Retrieved from : http://www.wpro.who.int/topics/infant_nutrition/en/index.html
UNICEF East Asia and Pacific
(2013) Breastfeeding in Cambodia is the new “normal”. Retrieved from: http://www.unicef.org/eapro/media_20202.html
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Hi Andrea, Breastfeeding seems to be an interesting topic and obviously a very healthy one. I did not breastfeed my children because I guess I wasn't familiar enough with it. But I imagine if I had known the information that have learned thus far I probably would have done so. I have learned so far that breastfeeding is much more nutritious for the baby. Thanks for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, I really enjoyed reading your blog post. I never breastfed but I have 2 kids. The first child I just didn't want to but the second one would not latch on. It was a very terrible experience. I have read about how important breast feeding is to the developing child and it hurt my feelings not to be able to. What made you choose the topic of breastfeeding in particular.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, breastfeeding can be a very sensitive topic, especially for new moms. I can recall not wanting to be judged, regardless of the decision I made. Your post is very informative! ;)
ReplyDeleteAndrea breastfeeding is an interesting topic you well explained how other countries breastfeed and how it's beneficial. I chose breastfeeding as my health topic also. Breastfeeding play a role development of children, Health determine the child functions of the brain. Interesting
ReplyDeleteAndrea,
ReplyDeleteInteresting information about Cambodia. The roasting of a mother was frighteningly intriguing. I had to google it further. I could see formula being an even bigger issue in Cambodia than it is here because of the water. I researched access to clean water and found out that 80% of illnesses in undeveloped countries results from dirty water. Scary stuff.
Thanks,
Danielle
It is great to hear you work with teens. Some times I feel they are the forgotten ones because there are so many that are looking for answers about being a woman. Continue to do all you are doing. I am sure the young ladies will continue to learn from you.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, LOVE your post! Breastfeeding is indeed an interesting topic of mine! I am an advocate and I encourage ALL mothers I come into contact with to PLEASE breastfeed because it is essential to OPTIMAL GROWTH! And your information on Cambodia was really interesting!
ReplyDelete