Infant feeding Flashcards
What can breast feeding reduce the risk of in an infant?
> Chest infections > Gastroenteritis > Ear infections > Urinary infections > Insulin dependent diabetes > Allergies > Sudden infant death synd. > Childhood leukaemia > Heart disease > Necrotising enterocolitis > Dental problems
What can breast feeding reduce the risk of in a mother?
1) Breast, uterine and ovarian cancers
2) Type 2 diabetes
3) Osteoporosis
4) It is protective of mothers’
mental health, increasing
resilience to stress and
improves quality of sleep
Benefits for society with breast feeding?
1) Environmental
2) Healthier population
- Reduced hospital admissions
- Cost savings to NHS
3) Improved neocortex development:
- Well adjusted adult
What happen to breastmilk over infancy?
It changes in response to the feeding habits of her baby and over time, thus adjusting to the infant’s individual growth an developmental needs
What is a key component of breast milk which is not present in formula?
Breastmilk includes a mother’s antibodies and many other defensive factors that help the baby avoid or fight off infections, and gives the baby’s immature immune system the benefit of the mother’s mature immune system.
What are the key downsides to formula milk versus breastmilk?
1) Does not adapt to infants needs
2) Does not promote neurological development as breastmilk does
3) No aid to maternal health (including mental health)
4) Does not include antibodies and other defence factors
What does UNICEF, WHO and NHS Grampian recommend in terms of breast feeding?
Recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health, followed by nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age and beyond
Breastfeeding can continue as long as the mother and infant wish!
What is the role of the UNICEF baby friendly initiative?
1) Works to protect, promote and support breastfeeding, and to strengthen mother-baby and family relationships
2) Support for these relationships is important for all babies, not only those who are breastfed
3) Standards for maternity, neonatal, health visiting and children’s centre services.
Baby friendly maternity standards?
> Pregnant women are prepared
> Closeness and feeding straight after birth
> Breastfeeding off to a good start
> Informed decisions re other food for babies
> Close and loving relationships
What are the benefits of skin to skin contact immediately after birth?
> Stimulates release of prolactin and oxytocin
> Calms and relaxes baby and mother
> Regulates baby’s heart rate and breathing
> Regulates baby’s temperature
> Stimulates breast-seeking behaviour and interest in feeding
> Stimulates endorphin release
> Protects baby from infection
