The public health topic I chose to write about this week is
breastfeeding. I breastfeed both of my
children for over a year. This topic is
meaningful to me because of the special bond I developed with each of my
children during this time. There is
something very powerful about feeding and providing that nourishment for your
child. It was not always easy or
comfortable but I feel blessed to have been able to provide this nourishment
for my babies.
I looked at Ghana and how
they look and feel about breastfeeding.
Ghana is a very conservative. It
is not okay to walk around in a top that shows cleavage but it is okay and
expected that you nurse your baby if the need arises. It does not matter where you are you are
expected to nurse your baby. In fact, if
you do not nurse your baby and they are crying people start to think you have
stolen the baby. People are so use to
seeing nursing babies that they do not think it is strange or offensive. In fact nursing a baby is highly encouraged. This is quite the opposite from what we see
her in the United States. People do
become offended and there have even been places that band mothers from nursing
their babies. One Ghanaian woman pointed
out if you grow up thinking it is normal you will not be offended by it.
“A study done in a rural area of Ghana evaluated
the time of first breastfeeding after birth. Breastfeeding was initiated within
the first 24 hrs after birth in 71% of infants. The later the start of
breastfeeding the greater the risk of neonatal death. Infants given any food or
fluids before breastfeeding was established on day 1 of life also had higher
risk of neonatal mortality. The authors estimated that 22% of neonatal deaths
after 1 day of age could be prevented by starting breastfeeding within 1 hr of
birth” (Edmond, 2006 ).
Wow, that is an amazing statistic!
Edmond KM, Zandoh C, Quigley MA, Amenga-Etego S, Owusu-Agyei
S, and Kirkwood BR. Delayed breastfeeding initiation increases risk of neonatal
mortality. Pediatrics. 2006: 117(3); e380 Accessed 1/16/14.
It's great to know that someone else feel that breastfeeding is beneficial in the United States. I also believe breastfeeding boost a child's IQ(naturalnews.com) states that. Breastfeeding forms a strong bond between the mother and child. The only problem I'm having is, my daughter is two years old and doesn't want me to discontinue. Therefore, I'm having a very hard time getting her to stop breastfeeding. I wish people in the United States viewed the pros of breastfeeding as the people of Ghana. The part that shocked me was that Ghana people feel like you stole someone elses child if you don't partake in breastfeeding. This is very informative Amy!
ReplyDeleteGreat information, Amy! I tried breastfeeding for 3 weeks, then I had to go back to work. Pumping didn't work so at least I got 3 weeks worth of special bonding and he got the added nourishment. Thanks for the info into Ghanan culture; great read.
ReplyDelete