User:Alexander Weke

collection of data on breestfeeding
My practicum project pays attention to the need for educating postpartum nurses about the benefits of breastfeeding as well as well as understanding the emotional needs of mothers and their frustrations when they cannot breastfeed and what to say to these mothers to help support them better. The data points include the prevalence of breastfeeding and the current attitude that millennials have towards breastfeeding. Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in developing increased from 33% in the year 1995 to 39% in 2010 (Kramer et al., 2008). The increase in the number of exclusive breastfeeding mothers is only 5%. The figure points out that not enough time has been allocated to sensitize the women in these developing countries about the importance of breastfeeding to the infants’ health. Seemingly, mothers have opted for replacements yet studies have shown that breastfeeding is an ideal gift a mother can give to her infant. The nutrients the infant gain through breastfeeding are tremendous and really boost the infant’s immunity. The idea behind the data points is that by analyzing the prevalence of breastfeeding over the years, some level of understanding can be attained so as to put things into perspective. Moreover, since millennials form the bulk of current breastfeeders, as most of them are aged between 35 and 18, their attitude on the subject is essential if one is ever to understand the prevalence rates. To encourage the spirit of breastfeeding among new mothers, postpartum nurses can inform them that breast milk is second to none especially during the infant’s first year of life (Gartner et al., 2005). It is the best source of nutrients for the baby at this time of their lives. Breast milk raises healthy and strong babies. Breastfed babies are not prone to contract many diseases as breast milk boosts immunity. Specifically, babies who are not breastfed have more health problems than ones who have been breastfed. Sadly, not all mothers have a say in whether or not they will choose to breastfeed their toddlers; some are forced by the circumstances that they are in. For instance, mothers who are infected with the HIV virus or AIDS are cautioned not to breastfeed their infants to avoid the spread of this deadly virus. The mother is also advised not to breastfeed when she is taking drugs like ARVs or cancer chemotherapy medication that may affect the baby when passed to the baby through breast milk. Those undertaking radiation therapies, hard drugs like cocaine and heroin, have tuberculosis infections, mental illnesses, have breast issues like breast reduction are cautioned not to breastfeed. Galactosemia is a condition in which babies cannot tolerate or digest breast milk. Mothers of such babies should not breastfed either. Mothers who are willing to breastfeed but are not able to do so because of the conditions they are in are usually depressed and frustrated. Some of them are aware of the importance of breast milk to their baby’s health and are disappointed that they cannot offer them the best nutrition options. This makes them even more depressed. They may ask questions to find out the best alternatives to breastfeeding. As a nurse, I would offer them all the valid options. I would advise them to seek the services of a wet nurse if their culture accepts the process. They could also use donor milk, supplement feeding devices, and formula feeding. The information above has been presented in the following spreadsheet based on data from studies and respondents: Item	Always	Usually	About half the time	Rarely	Almost Never Studies that show breast milk is the best 	98%	1%	1%	0%	0% Breast milk raises healthy babies	95%	3%	2%	0%	0% Breast milk raises strong babies	96%	3%	2%	0%	0% Millennials who breastfeed 	27%	23%	10%	7%	33%