Child Development and Public Health

“Breastfeeding”

When I was younger and contemplating a family, I said that I would breastfeed.  As an undergraduate studying Nutrition, I performed my internship at the Women, Infant and Children’s Program (WIC).  Needless to say in public health, you see everything.  I spent an entire semester working at that facility.  The registered dietician that supervised me specialized in lactation. What a new and informative experience for me.   So many of the WIC participants immediately rejected the idea of breast feeding.  Some of the reasons were they heard that it hurt really bad, they were embarrassed to take out their breast in public and not wanting the baby to make their breast larger and sag.  From what I’ve read in the brochures in the WIC clinic, breastfeeding is convenient, always sterile and the milk is always at the proper temperature.  I interviewed a family friend because she breastfed.  Here is the interview.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWODmONtPfQ

     The country I chose was the Philippines.  In my research, I came across a Dermatologist who is an advocate for breastfeeding. Her story is very interesting. Dr. Esguerra gives expecting mother support for breastfeeding.  She even speaks of using breast milk for skin problems.  She promotes breast feeding for working women and counsels them on how it can be done.  Dr. Esguerra shares a wealth of ideas on the topic of breast feeding.  

http://breastfeedingphilippines.weebly.com/inspirational-talks.html 

Another article starts with a quote from the Qur’an, it readsMothers shall suckle children for two whole years, for those who desire to complete the suckling. It is for the father to provide for them and clothe them honourably. No soul is charged save to its capacity: no woman should suffer because of her child, nor any man because of his. The same responsibilities are incumbent on the heir. But if (the couple) decide by mutual consent to wean (the child), there is no blame on them. And if you desire to seek nursing for your children (by hiring a foster mother), there is no blame on you provided you pay her fairly. Fear God, and know that God sees everything you do (Qur’an, 2.205).

This article brought into light for me   God’s purpose for a breast. Also, this article demonstrated what commercial baby milk companies tried to do while demoting breastfeeding.  “Anything for a buck,” I thought.  It’s a good thing the government stepped in.  Then, an explanation of the benefits of breast milk proceeded to follow in this article.  Read it, it’s good information.

http://www.thehealthnews.org/religion.and.health/breast_feeding_in_quran.html

My final article about breastfeeding in the Philippines kind of made me chuckle.  Philippines break the Guinness World book records for the number of mother’s breast feeding simultaneously.  The purpose of the vast number of mother’s feeding was dual purpose; first, they did it to break the world’s record. Secondly, it was to protest against false claims by commercial baby milk formula producers.

http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/philippines_33982.html 

As a future early childhood educator, I realize that some women are confident about their bodies and care to nourish their children by breast feeding gives me a greater respect for the reasons people all over the world choose this method.  I am encouraged. When speaking to expecting mothers of my future preschool children, I will have a small reservoir of information to share about the benefits of breast feeding.