The benefits of breastfeeding are substantial for child health1. The recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding in newborns and infants has a long history and researchers have revealed that breastfeeding protects against many illnesses and infectious diseases, including reducing the risk of diarrhea, respiratory infections, especially pneumonia, meningitis and neonatal sepsis2.
Attention has largely focused on the protective effects of breastfeeding in the 1st year of life and greater protection appears to be conferred in the first 6 months of life in particular3. However, at present, concentration has been directed toward both the pattern of breastfeeding as well as the timing of initiation of breastfeeding and the effects on neonatal morbidity and mortality.
A new study was carried out by researchers; the primary objectives of the study were to analyze the interaction between internal and external factors associated with the implementation of early breastfeeding initiation among mothers. The study focused on the influence of socio-demographic, social support and knowledge factors on breastfeeding4. An observational prospective approach was used with 238 selected purposively pregnant women who were followed through delivery.
Health assistance from a midwife, place of childbirth, marital age and financial support of the family constitute a breastfeeding model that explains successful early breastfeeding initiation. Giving birth at home was associated with increased early breastfeeding initiation.
Good knowledge of early breastfeeding initiation does not guarantee its precise implementation but accurate knowledge is needed at least to promote intention and the ability to implement such intentions during childbirth. Positive social support is needed from family and relatives to provide freedom of action and self-confidence in nurturing children and decreasing both the physical and psychological burdens of the maternal role.
Responsibility for nurturing a baby is rather a nuisance as she should increase her knowledge in harmony with adaptation to the baby’s needs. Therefore, there are several general points that are useful when considering the treatment process; Individual therapy is inadequate to treat attachment problems, Treatment milieu must be developed, only after a relationship has been developed can treatment for trauma and loss was effective, Children should not be forced to explore their trauma or loss.
Young children should not be asked to say good-bye to a loss without having something to take its place, Provide support, hope and guidance, Follow the child’s pace with accepting a loss and provide a nurturing environment where a relationship of safety, consistency and emotional closeness is possible.
Keywords:
Knowledge, socio-demography, social support, early breastfeeding initiation, support, hope and guidance, consistency and emotional closeness, a nuisance, Health assistance.
References:
- Lamberti, L.M., C.L.F. Walker, A. Noiman, C. Victoria and R.E. Black, 2011. Breastfeeding and the risk for diarrhea morbidity and mortality. BMC Public Health, Vol. 11. 10.1186/1471-2458-11-S3-S15
- Ashraf, R.N., F. Jalil, S.R. Khan, S. Zaman, J. Karlberg, B.S. Lindblad and L.A. Hanson, 1993. Early child health in Lahore, Pakistan: V. Feeding patterns. Acta Paediatrica, 82: 47-61.
- Huffman, S.L., E.R. Zehner and C. Victora, 2001. Can improvements in breast-feeding practices reduce neonatal mortality in developing countries? Midwifery, 17: 80-92.
- Syam, A., Syafar, M., Ridwan A., Muzakkir, Darwis, Sri D., Sri W. and Anwar M., 2017. Early Breastfeeding Initiation: Impact of Socio-demographic, Knowledge and Social Support Factors. Pak. J. Nutr., 16: 207-215.
Editor
Add comment