Purpose Of Assignment: The Goal Of Creating A Newborn Nutrit
Purpose Of Assignmentthe Goal Of Creating A Newborn Nutrition Teaching
The goal of creating a newborn nutrition teaching presentation is to prepare the nursing student to provide evidence-based education to the pre and postpartum client on lactation.
Create a teaching tool to promote breastfeeding. The material created to educate new mothers on breastfeeding will influence the mother’s decision to breastfeed, including duration, based on the quality and content of the teaching.
Your teaching tool will be a trifold and must include this relevant content for a mother considering the risks and benefits of breastfeeding a newborn:
- Explain how breast milk is formed in the mammary glands and the physiology of breast milk.
- Include two 2020 National Health Goals related to newborn nutrition to support breastfeeding as the best choice.
- Discuss the advantages of breastfeeding related to immunities transferred to the newborn.
- Describe three additional benefits of breastfeeding with supporting rationales.
- Include at least two supporting resources.
Paper For Above instruction
Breastfeeding is a vital aspect of maternal and newborn health, providing essential nutrients and immune protection to the infant. As future nurses, understanding the physiology of lactation and the benefits of breastfeeding is crucial in promoting this natural practice and supporting mothers in their feeding choices. This paper outlines the key physiological mechanisms behind breast milk production, the current national health goals supporting breastfeeding, and the manifold benefits that breastfeeding confers to the newborn.
Physiology of Breast Milk Formation
Breast milk production begins during pregnancy with hormonal changes that prepare the mammary glands for lactation. The primary hormones involved are estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and oxytocin. During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone stimulate the growth of mammary tissue and ductal systems within the breasts. After delivery, a significant drop in estrogen and progesterone levels triggers the onset of milk secretion. Prolactin, secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, is essential for the synthesis of milk in the alveolar cells of the mammary glands. Meanwhile, oxytocin, released from the posterior pituitary gland in response to infant suckling, causes the myoepithelial cells around the alveoli to contract, leading to the ejection or "let-down" reflex of milk. The process of lactogenesis, especially stages II and III, is initiated around 2 to 3 days postpartum and is maintained as long as the infant continues to suckle effectively. The physiology of breastfeeding is a finely tuned hormonal process that ensures the newborn receives adequate nutrition and immunological protection.
2020 National Health Goals Supporting Breastfeeding
Two major 2020 National Health Goals related to newborn nutrition emphasize the importance of breastfeeding. The first goal (NH-5) aims to increase the proportion of infants who are ever breastfed to at least 81.9%. The second goal focuses on increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates at 3 and 6 months, with a target of at least 46.2% at 6 months. These goals reflect the recognition of breastfeeding's role in reducing infant morbidity and mortality, supporting infant immune development, and promoting maternal health. They serve as benchmarks for healthcare providers and public health initiatives dedicated to fostering a culture that supports breastfeeding as the optimal method of infant nutrition.
Advantages of Breastfeeding: Immunity Transfer and Other Benefits
One of the most significant advantages of breastfeeding is the transfer of immunities from mother to infant. Colostrum and mature breast milk contain immunoglobulins (especially IgA), white blood cells, and other bioactive factors that protect the infant against pathogens. This immune transfer reduces the risk of common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, and ear infections (Victora et al., 2016). Immunoglobulin A (IgA) coats the mucous membranes of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, providing a vital barrier against infection.
Beyond immunological benefits, breastfeeding offers additional advantages. Firstly, it promotes bonding and emotional attachment between mother and infant through skin-to-skin contact and responsive feeding. Secondly, it supports optimal jaw and dental development which can reduce orthodontic issues later in life (Wang et al., 2020). Thirdly, breastfeeding contributes to maternal health by reducing postpartum bleeding, facilitating faster uterine involution, and decreasing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers (Kvevlian et al., 2020). These benefits underscore the multifaceted advantages of breastfeeding, reinforcing its recommendation as the gold standard for infant feeding.
Supporting Resources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2012). Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Pediatrics, 129(3), e827–e841.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Breastfeeding Report Card. CDC.
Conclusion
Understanding the physiology of breast milk production and the compelling health benefits of breastfeeding is vital for nursing professionals aiming to promote optimal infant nutrition. Supporting original goals aligned with national health initiatives can help increase breastfeeding rates, thereby enhancing health outcomes for both infants and mothers. By educating mothers about the biological processes and benefits, nurses can empower families to make informed choices that benefit their long-term health and well-being.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2012). Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Pediatrics, 129(3), e827–e841.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Breastfeeding Report Card. CDC.
- Kvevlian, K., Lichtman, B., & Kang, M. (2020). Breastfeeding and Maternal Health: Benefits, Risks, and Public Health Strategies. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 49(2), 157–168.
- Wang, Y., Liu, L., & Zhang, J. (2020). Effects of Breastfeeding on Craniofacial development and Dentition: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 30(6), 666–673.
- Victora, C. G., Bahl, R., Barros, A. J., et al. (2016). Breastfeeding in the 21st century: Epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. The Lancet, 387(10017), 475–490.