Lactation 1 Flashcards
What is the current breastfeeding recommendation for infants?
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life.
Continued breastfeeding up to 2 years and beyond, alongside complementary foods.
Why is exclusive breastfeeding recommended for 6 months?
Breastmilk provides optimal nutrition, immune protection, and supports healthy growth and development.
What makes breastmilk the optimal nutrition for infants?
Contains bioavailable minerals (zinc, iron, calcium) that are better absorbed than in cow’s milk or formula.
Includes easily digestible proteins and fats, making it gentler on the infant’s gut.
How does breastmilk adapt to an infant’s needs?
Changes composition based on age and maternal diet.
Exposes babies to different flavors, increasing acceptance of new foods later in life.
What 2 immune benefits does breastmilk provide?
Contains antibodies and peptides that protect against infections and chronic diseases.
Reduces risk of infant mortality and allergic conditions.
How does breastfeeding contribute to cognitive development?
Some studies suggest a 50% reduction in the likelihood of low IQ in breastfed babies, possibly due to:
Omega-3s and lipids in breastmilk.
Parent-child interaction during feeding.
How does breastfeeding help with postpartum recovery?
Releases oxytocin, helping the uterus shrink (involution).
Suppresses ovulation, delaying menstruation for up to 6 months.
What are 3 the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding for the parent?
Reduces risk of breast cancer and other chronic diseases.
Lowers risk of postpartum depression.
Supports return to pre-pregnancy weight due to increased energy expenditure.
How is breastfeeding financially beneficial?
While it requires extra calories for the parent, it is less expensive than infant formula in the long term.
What is postpartum depression (PPD), and how common is it?
Mood disorder occurring within one year postpartum.
Affects 23% of Canadian mothers.
What are 4 risk factors for postpartum depression?
History of depression.
High stress during pregnancy (e.g., high-risk pregnancy).
Lack of postpartum support.
Lifestyle factors (poor diet, lack of sleep, lack of exercise).
How is postpartum depression diagnosed?
Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS):
Scored 0-30, with 13+ indicating major depression.
Symptoms must persist every day for at least 2 weeks.
How does breastfeeding impact postpartum depression?
ome studies show that breastfeeding lowers the risk of postpartum depression, possibly due to hormonal and emotional benefits.
What percentage of Canadian mothers initiate breastfeeding?
90% of mothers start breastfeeding at birth.
What are breastfeeding continuation rates at 6 months?
60% of mothers practice any breastfeeding.
35% of mothers practice exclusive breastfeeding.
What are 6 common factors influencing breastfeeding initiation and continuation?
Work obligations.
Pain or lactation issues.
Lack of guidance and support.
Mental health challenges.
Social stigma or embarrassment.
Perceived or real low milk supply.
What are the 6 main reasons mothers stop breastfeeding before 6 months?
Not enough milk (real or perceived).
Difficulties with breastfeeding (e.g., latch issues, pain).
Inconvenience or fatigue.
Medical conditions affecting either parent or baby.
Baby self-weaned.
Return to work or school.
What medical conditions prevent an infant from breastfeeding?
Galactosemia (a rare condition where the infant cannot metabolize galactose).
What 3 conditions may prevent a parent from breastfeeding?
Radioactive therapy or chemotherapy.
HIV or certain infections.
Substance abuse (e.g., opioids, illicit drugs).
What is the breastfeeding paradox?
Those who would benefit most from breastfeeding (e.g., low-income or lower-educated individuals) are least likely to breastfeed due to barriers such as lack of support and education.
How can different sectors support breastfeeding?
Healthcare: Education, lactation consultants, early breastfeeding initiation.
Workplace: Maternity leave, breastfeeding spaces.
Community: Normalizing breastfeeding in public spaces.
Family: Providing support to the nursing parent.
How does early initiation of breastfeeding impact success rates?
Prenatal education increases breastfeeding likelihood.
Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth promotes successful breastfeeding.
What are the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding in the WHO Baby-Friendly Initiative?
Hospital policy supporting breastfeeding.
Staff competency in breastfeeding support.
Antenatal care to educate parents.
Immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth.
Support for mother-infant bonding and feeding.
Avoiding unnecessary supplementation.
Rooming-in (keeping mother and baby together).
Encouraging demand feeding.
Avoiding bottles, teats, and pacifiers.
Proper discharge planning with support services.
What are the 4 key policies in the International Code on Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes?
No advertising of infant formula.
No free samples of formula.
No promotion through healthcare facilities.
Infant formula cannot use images of babies or claim to be similar to breastmilk.
Why was the International Code on Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes created?
To protect breastfeeding by preventing formula companies from aggressively marketing their products, which could discourage breastfeeding.
What are the most important strategies to increase breastfeeding rates?
Prenatal education on breastfeeding.
Skin-to-skin contact after birth.
Strong family, workplace, and community support.
Enforcement of baby-friendly hospital practices.
