Promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Racial/Ethnic Minority Women for the First Six Months.
Breastfeeding is the recommended way of feeding infants due to the numerous health benefits. However, racial/ethnic minority women in the United States are less likely to initiate and maintain breastfeeding for the recommended six months compared to white women. This has resulted in higher health issues such as obesity, diabetes type I, allergic sensitivity, acute otitis media, and gastrointestinal problems among racial/ethnic minority children. Breastmilk contains all the nutrients an infant needs in the first six months of life. It protects against diarrhea and common childhood illnesses such as pneumonia and asthma. Breastfeeding also has a long term health benefits such as reducing the risks of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence. Early initiation of breastfeeding, usually within the first one hour of life helps increases the chances of exclusive breastfeeding. However, racial/ethnic minority women in the United States are less likely to begin, and maintain, breastfeeding for the recommended six months compared to white women.
Major efforts are needed to help promote breastfeeding initiation and duration among racial/minority women in the United States. Nurses have a unique opportunity to help to promote and support breastfeeding among racial/minority women through their clinical practices and skills. Nurses can help racial/minority women to recognize the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, the correct positioning for breastfeeding, signs of good and poor feeding through patients' education.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Benefits of breastfeeding to the mother.
Lowers the risk for type II diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, Postpartum depression, arthritis, certain breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers, and cardiovascular disease.
Benefits of breastfeeding to the baby
Lower risks for ear infection, pneumonia, diarrhea, asthma, diabetes, SIDS, allergic sensitization, gastrointestinal illness, obesity, acute otitis media.
Risks of formula feeding
Formula fed infants have increased risks of
Illness & Hospitalization
Allergies & Asthma
SIDS & Death
Lower IQ
Chronic Disease
Decreased Milk supply
Puts mum at risk for engorgement
Types of positions for latching
Cradle Cross cradle
Dancer hand Dangle
Side-Lying Football
