Intra/post - Infant feeding

Question 1

what can breastfeeding reduce the risk of in babies

Answer 1

chest infections 
gastroenteritis
ear infections
urinary infections
insulin dependent diabetes
sudden infant death syndrome
childhood leukaemia
heart disease
necrotising enterocolitis
dental problems

Question 2

what are the benefits of breastfeeding to the mother

Answer 2

reduces risk of

• breast, uterine, ovarian cancers
• type 2 diabetes
• osteoporosis

protective of mothers mental health, increases resilience to stress and improves quality of sleep

Question 3

what are the benefits to society of breastfeeding

Answer 3

environmental
healthier population (reduced hospital admissions, cost saving to NHS)
improves neocortex development (well adjusted adult)

Question 4

how does breastfeeding developmentally benefit babies

Answer 4

breastmilk changes in response to the feeding habits of baby - adjusts to the individuals growth and development needs

Question 5

how does breastmilk help babies fight infections

Answer 5

breastmilk includes mother’s antibodies + many other defensive factors that help avoid or fight off infections, - gives the baby’s immature immune system the benefit of the mother’s mature immune system

Question 6

what are some downsides of infant formula

Answer 6

does not promote neurological development as breastmilk does

has no positive impact on maternal health

requires manufacturing, storage and delivery systems - inherent quality control problems

Question 7

what are the UNICEF, WHO and NHS breastfeeding recommendations

Answer 7

for the first 6 months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health

continue ip to two years of age (+beyond) with complementary foods

Question 8

what does the UNICEF baby friendly initiative aim to achieve

Answer 8

protect, promote and support breastfeeding

strengthen mother-baby and family relationships

standards for maternity, neonatal, health visiting and children’s centre services

Question 9

what do baby friendly maternity standards help with

Answer 9

ensuring pregnant women are prepared

encouraging closeness and feeding after birth

sees that breastfeeding is off to a good start

help with informed decisions re other food for babies

developing close and loving relationships

Question 10

what can a doctor do to help with breastfeeding

Answer 10

encourage skin to skin – default position

instinctive parenting – it is not possible to spoil a baby so encourage parents to respond to feeding cues

know who to refer women to