Promotion of Breastfeeding: Fed by Breastmilk is Best
Main Article Content
Abstract
Breastmilk feeding has numerous evidence-based benefits to the health of the baby and the breastfeeding parent as well as economic benefits to the family and society. Positive support for breastfeeding prior to birth and at each stage post-birth must include patient and family education and resources. Identifying negative approaches and barriers to breastfeeding support will help to improve breastfeeding rates to elevate health of the breastfeeding parent and baby. Movements such as Fed Is Best encourage new parents having concerns or difficulties with breastfeeding to resort to formula either as a supplement or exclusively, rather than continue exclusive breastfeeding while seeking and receiving lactation assistance, which often ends their breastfeeding intentions with potential for adverse health implications. The intent of this article is to outline how to promote health through breastfeeding and provision of appropriate structures and processes to strengthen social determinants of health (SDOH) for breastfeeding success.
Health promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve their health. According to The World Health Organization, “This is accomplished by building healthy public policies, creating supportive environments, and strengthening community action and personal skills.”1 Social determinants of health are the nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes. Social conditions may include income; availability of healthcare; social support networks; education. Structural conditions may include public policies, culture and societal values, and governmental values. War or pandemics can overlap social and structural conditions that are SDOH.
According to Dr. Ruth Petersen, director of The Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, “Breastfeeding is the clinical gold standard for infant feeding and nutrition. We must do more to create supportive and safe environments for mothers who choose to breastfeed.”2
Article Details
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