breastfeeding Flashcards
what is special about human milk?
it is species specific. catered towards human babies
how many months can breast milk sustain life of a baby for?
6 months after birth
what are the pros of breastmilk?
it protects infant from bacteria and viruses the mother comes in contact with. it changed to meet infant’s nutritional needs.
what change does breast milk undergo in the early postpartum period?
from colostrum to mature milk
what hormones are involved in breastfeeding?
estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, oxytocin
what is one recommended to start breastfeeding?
within 1 hour after birth
how long is one recommended to exclusively breastfeed for? how long should one breastfeed for?
first 6months. continue up till 2 years while introducing safe solid foods
should women breastfeed during covid? why?
WHO recommends to continue as the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risks of transmission
what is the percentage of infants younger than 6months that exclusively breastfed? has this improved in the last two decades?
globally, 41%. this amount has not improved in 2 decades
what is the percentage of women that stop breastfeeding before their infant is one month old?
close to 25%
what are the most common reasons mothers stop breastfeeding before 6 months?
not enough milk. difficulty with breastfeeding technique
have breastfeeding initiation rates increased in canada?
YES
what are the short term benefits for the baby from breastfeeding?
decreased mortality among children who are malnourished. infants in developing countries who are not breastfed have increased rates if diarrhea, respiratory illnesses, and susceptibility to infections. breastfeeding decreases an infants response to pain (breastfeeding/human milk is pain relieving)
what are long term benefits for the baby from breastfeeding?
breastfeeding may decrease risk of childhood cancers. cuts the risk of asthma. increases cognitive development (intelligence). shown to. prevent obesity and type1/2 diabetes
what the the benefits for the mother from breastfeeding?
associated with lower risk of breast/ovarian cancer, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, postpartum depression, sleep disturbances
why is powdered infant formula not recommended?
it is not sterile and serves as an ideal substrate for bacterial growth. pathogen contamination
what is the global initiative to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding?
the baby friendly hospital initiative (BFHI)
how many countries have implemented the BFHI?
152
when did many women abandon breastfeeding
1920s-1960s
when did recognition of the importance in breastfeeding increase? resulting in increasing rates of it
early 1970s
when was the international code of marketing breastmilk substitutes developed?
1981
when was BFHI launched?
1991
what does the who code state? (in regards to breastfeeding)
no advertising substitutes, no free samples to mothers, no donations of substitutes, no promotion in the health services, no company personnel advertising to mothers, no idealizing artificial feedings on labels and the labels should explain dangers, information to health workers should be factual
does the who code for breastfeeding ever violated? why?
continues to be violated because it is not legislated in canada
what are the male partner’s roles in breastfeeding?
supporting the mother, housework, preparing pump equipment, caring for the infant, feeding the infant
