This week I chose to talk about breastfeeding. I chose this topic because it is something I have experienced with my babies. I breast fed both of babies for the first months after birth. I would have kept going but my job and the time to pump and feed didn't go according to plan. I admit I was skeptical at first, but once I got into the habit of doing it. I enjoyed every minute of it. My kids weren't as sick as others which means fewer doctor visits. Breastfeeding is very popular worldwide. It is sterile and rich in iron and vitamins and other nutrients needed for a growing baby. Babies that breastfeed a less likely to become sick because breast milk has antibodies that fight of viruses and other illnesses.
Breast feeding has rewards for both the mother and the baby. It allows them to have bonding time. For the mother, it reduces the risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis and a satisfying feeling of meeting the baby's needs. For the baby, reduction of illness that are common later in life such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. they will also have fewer cavities, less sids and stronger jaws. It allows babies with skin to skin contact that promotes attachment to mothers. Babies also show reduce stress levels while feeding. Breastfeeding on demand is about responding to the baby's hunger cues. It allows the baby to feed as soon as it is hungry instead of having to wait on a bottle. The breast is always at body temperature so you don't have to warm up milk and sometimes get it too hot. Breast feeding requires less of a hassle when traveling because you don't have to fix bottles or carry extra milk and find places to warm up bottles for the baby.
In other cultures breast feeding is labeled as beneficial, harmless, or harmful. In Papua New Guinea, and Gogo tribe of Tanzania, it is emphasized that women stay celibate while breastfeeding. So a mother will be torn by the decision to satisfy her husband or feed her child, however, the husband isn't expected to remain celibate during that time. One study shows of 120 cultures, 50 withheld the infant from breast in the first two days because they believe the milk was dirty. Some other cultures have no choice but to breast feed because they do not have access to formula.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Birthing Experience
The most exciting but dreadful moment in a mother's life is giving birth. I've been through it twice and not sure if I would want to experience it again. The changes your body goes through in a matter of hours are heartbreaking. Well, to me anyway. My first child was an experience by itself. And it seems no matter how much I read about it, that wasn't enough. I was in labor for 12 hours and it was the the longest 12 hours I've ever encountered. However, I was surrounded by family and good friends. After my son was delivered, all of my emotions changed. I just wanted him away from me. I didn't want to look at him or touch him. I was still in shock that a baby had come from me. It was a very painful experience.
On the other hand, my daughter's birth was quite pleasant. Well, that was after the medication. I now believe that my body isn't made for storing and delivering babies. Both pregnancies were very different but labor and delivery was almost the same. They were both full term babies. My son came exactly on his due date. My daughter a few days after hers. I'm thankful for the nurses and the medication because I don't think I would've made it through this experience without either of them.
As I searched around the globe for other birthing information, I found that in Africa some women die during childbirth. They die from lack of treatment to conditions such as high blood pressure, breech births, and hemorrhaging(The Guardian 2012). African women lack access to good quality health care or a trained midwife. In the remote areas they have little to no choice but to give birth at home with a mother or grandmother present. If things don't go well during delivery, they would have to walk in the middle of labor to get the help they need.
As in the Western nations, men encourage the woman to go to a health facility to avoid complications.In Africa the woman has to get permission from the man which causes a delay in seeking care. Another delay is arriving a a health care facility because they may lack transportation and the lack of staff at the facility. These things all contribute to the high mortality rates.
References
Giving birth-the most dangerous thing an African woman can do? The Guardian. March 2012. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/journalismcompetition/giving-birth-the-most-dangerous-thing-an-african-woman-can-do
On the other hand, my daughter's birth was quite pleasant. Well, that was after the medication. I now believe that my body isn't made for storing and delivering babies. Both pregnancies were very different but labor and delivery was almost the same. They were both full term babies. My son came exactly on his due date. My daughter a few days after hers. I'm thankful for the nurses and the medication because I don't think I would've made it through this experience without either of them.
As I searched around the globe for other birthing information, I found that in Africa some women die during childbirth. They die from lack of treatment to conditions such as high blood pressure, breech births, and hemorrhaging(The Guardian 2012). African women lack access to good quality health care or a trained midwife. In the remote areas they have little to no choice but to give birth at home with a mother or grandmother present. If things don't go well during delivery, they would have to walk in the middle of labor to get the help they need.
As in the Western nations, men encourage the woman to go to a health facility to avoid complications.In Africa the woman has to get permission from the man which causes a delay in seeking care. Another delay is arriving a a health care facility because they may lack transportation and the lack of staff at the facility. These things all contribute to the high mortality rates.
References
Giving birth-the most dangerous thing an African woman can do? The Guardian. March 2012. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/journalismcompetition/giving-birth-the-most-dangerous-thing-an-african-woman-can-do
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