galmeida71

As a postpartum nurse, this is a huge debate in our community. Of course breastfeeding is best and provides the best nutrition and benefits to the baby. According to the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, breastfeeding decreases risk of several conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis, sudden infant death syndrome, and several different types of infections. There are also longterm benefits such as a lower risk of developing asthma and diabetes (“Breastfeeding”, 2014, p.145). I think most healthcare professionals and people in general could agree that breastfeeding is what is best for the infant, however, all infants and mothers are not alike and I think this “breast is best” movement puts some guilt on those mothers who are not having the ideal breastfeeding experience. As a nurse I make sure to educate my patients on the benefits of breastfeeding over formula feeding, I spend time teaching them breastfeeding techniques, ensure they are seen by a lactation consultant if they are having trouble, but also remind them that the experience of breastfeeding is not the easy and wonderful experience that is sometimes projected to them. Breastfeeding is hard and requires effort and patience and getting to know the baby and their hunger cues and latch techniques. The stress and pressure that society puts on breastfeeding can hinder the breastfeeding process and affect the way a mother’s milk comes in. I find that just as important as educating my patient on the benefits of breastfeeding is supporting the family in however they choose to feed their baby. There are a variety of circumstances that could have a family choose to supplement. These situations include “women with HIV infection, certain substance use disorders, untreated tuberculosis, or who are taking medications contraindicated in breastfeeding” (“Breastfeeding”, 2014, p.146). I have had mothers break down in tears because exclusive breastfeeding was not working for them the way they planned on it and asked me if they are a bad mother for giving the infant formula too early. Education and support is key here because no matter how the newborn is fed, our end goal is to have a healthy baby that can go home with a feeding plan that is comfortable for them that way we can prevent any health issues or readmission into a hospital. References Breastfeeding. (2014). Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 44(1), 145–150. Retrieved from https://www.jognn.org/article/S0884-2175(15)31769-X/pdf