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Promoting Breastfeedin

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Risks of NOT Breastfeedin

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Birth & Beyond California:

Breastfeeding Training and QI

Project

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Objectives

• Name two reasons why breastfeeding is considered the normal infant feeding method

• Describe the AAP’s recommendation on exclusive breastfeeding

• Identify two reasons for validating a woman’s feelings about breastfeeding

Breastfeeding used to be the cultural norm

How did we get from there to here?

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Breastfeeding is the Normal Method of Feeding and Nurturing

• Species Specific– Most complete form of infant nutrition– Composition changes over time

• Protects infant from diseases• Improves maternal health• Social and economic benefits

Ip, AHRQ, 2007Kramer, Arch Gen Psychiatry,

2008

Activity: What Are the Risks of NOT Breastfeeding?

• AHRQ Report: Executive Summary

• Worksheet: “The Role of Human Milk in Enhancing Outcomes”

Ip, AHRQ, 2007

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What are the results of this large uncontrolled

artificial baby milk experiment?

• Increased infant/child morbidity• Increased infant/child mortality• Increased maternal morbidity and

mortality• Increased health care costs for all

Weimer, U.S. Dept.of Agriculture, 2001 AAP, Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk, 2005

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Exclusive Breastfeeding• Recommended for the first 6 months– Is just one bottle of formula a problem?– Even in hot weather?

• Add complementary foods gradually beginning at around 6 months

• Continue breastfeeding for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child

AAP, Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk, 2005

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Breastfeeding Promotion

• Preconception Care

• Prenatal Education

• In Hospital– Enthusiastic support – Consistent information

• Post Discharge– Follow up Options– Resources

Persad, J Community Health, 2008

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How to Counsel Women About Breastfeeding

L: Listen to the woman’s concernsO: Ask Open-ended questionsV: Validate the woman’s concerns E: Educate, targeting her specific

concerns

Best Start, 1995 Taveras, Pediatrics, 2004

Smith, Coach’s Notebook, 20029

Explore and Address Concerns

• Common concerns–Lack of confidence–Fear of not producing enough milk –Dietary restrictions & health

concerns–Loss of freedom–Embarrassment–Return to work–Fear of pain

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Open-Ended Questions

• “What have you heard about breastfeeding?”

• “What do you know about breastfeeding?”

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Validate Feelings

• Establishes rapport• Tells the mother you are really

listening to her• Increases the effectiveness of

your teaching

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L O V E Activity

Effective Breastfeeding Education & Support

• Sharing of concerns & experiences

• Teaching hands on skills• Watching other mothers

breastfeed• Appropriate for culture & literacy

level

Guise, Ann Fam Med, 2003

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Key Messages

• Breastfeeding is desirable and achievable

• Professional help and community support are available

• Breastfeeding should be comfortable

• Exclusive breastfeeding is important

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Skin-to-Skin +

Exclusive and Extensive Breastfeeding

=Optimal Outcomes

AAP, Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk, 2005

Raisler, Am J Pub Hlth, 1999

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A parent cannot make a good decision unless it is

an informed decision

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Photo Credits• Slide 1 – Motherhood by Petrov Vodkin circa 1913

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