In other developing countries, there is often a lack of fresh water, sterilization, or accessibility. "In Africa, more than 95% of infants are currently breastfed, but feeding practices are often inadequate: feeding water, and other liquids, to breastfed infants is a widespread practice"(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). As we know the AIDS epidemic is growing fast in Africa. "The AIDS epidemic could threaten breastfeeding because the virus can be transmitted through breastmilk, as demonstrated by numerous studies" (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). As you can see this can cause worry with mothers, in Africa. In areas where fresh water is scarce, there isn't a lot of other options for them..."mothers are encouraged to practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first months of life followed by early and rapid weaning."(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). This is suppose to take place if there is not another source of feeding. Because of this issue "A strong determination of African governments to promote exclusive breastfeeding among all mothers and to protect prolonged breastfeeding among non-infected mothers will limit the mother-to-child transmission of HIV while preserving the benefits of breastfeeding:" (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
This information will help me improve my work, because it makes me that much more determined to help children world wide, have fresh water and food. If that means I continue to donate money to the cause then I will until I can find a better way:)
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Dear Rachael,
ReplyDeleteI too chose breastfeeding as my topic. I am thankful I was able to breast feed both children and even continue to pump after returning back to work. I was constantly carrying around my ice box to and from school. I had a bit of difficulty with breastfeeding in public since it is not that common. There are special rooms in Malls, etc. I wonder what it`s like in the States? Is breastfeeding your baby in a park for example accepted?
Rachael, I enjoyed reading and appreciate your blog! I breastfed both of my sons, but due to high blood pressure complications with my first son the doctor had to modify my medication in order for me to successfully breastfeed. Breastfeeding is such a wonderful experience for both the infant/mother as they connect, but because of the contextual of medicine, illnesses and other contributing factors we have to be very careful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing an imperative insight regarding our babies.
I breastfeed all three of my kids and never had any complications to prevent from doing so or the need to stop so early. All of them were breastfeed for about 3 months or so.. @ ANA PANDELESCU We were at a church family fun day and a mother breastfeed at the function and no acted odd to her doing so. I think it depends mom's have done great job at keeping people aware it's becoming a natural thing.
ReplyDeleteRachel,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post, as I enjoyed reading about it this week for class. I have not yet had my own children and my family has been a mix of breast feeding and formula feeding for years. Learning more about this topic and the fact that it can impact a child so greatly was surprising to me. It seems as though you are young and do not have your own children, same as myself, so I know all of this information is definitely food for thought for me for the future. Looking forward to reading your future posts!
--Ashley Richards
Hi Rachael,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post on breastfeeding, because it allows the baby to get a healthy start in life and mother/child receive that bond and attachment that necessary for a healthy development. They will connect that particular bond that reassure they are love and card for by parents to succeed in life and become a life-long learner. It is sad and unfortunate for those other countries that's desperate in need for healthy development for children through their parents suffering critical health care.