Public Health Topic's that Impact Children's Development

Breastfeeding is a public health topic that I chose to write about. I heard it reduces the risk of having cancer and it reduces the risk of SIDS. I also heard that breastfeeding helps pregnant women shed weight off faster after birth. This information is meaningful to be because babies need help with the developing of their immune system and organs. Their mother's milk gives them the best protective immunological factors, which are difficult to include in a formula.

Previous research in the European Journal of Cancer has shown a link between breastfeeding and decreased risk of childhood leukemia; however, a new study reveals that long-term breastfeeding may decrease the risk of leukemia and lymphoma even more than breastfeeding for just a few months ?(European “, 2001).

A new study by researchers in New Zealand reveals that premature babies breastfed or fed expressed breast milk in a bottle have higher IQs by the time they are 7 or 8 years old than preemie babies who do not receive breast milk (Horwood, 2000). Although, the researchers did try to account for mother's education and family income - other factors that can affect a child's IQ - they admit this study cannot conclusively determine that breast milk alone helped boost the IQ scores (Horwood, 2000).

Studies in Australia show that children who are exclusively breastfed for at least the first four months of life have a substantial reduction in the risk of developing asthma by age 6. Dr. Oddy noted that asthma is the leading cause of hospitalization in American and Australian children, and the prevalence of asthma is increasing in both countries (PRNewswire, 2011).

The information that I have learned from breastfeeding has helped me understand the differences between breastfed babies and formula fed babies. Breastfeeding is the best way to make sure that your child is getting the proper amount of nutrients for their bodies to grow, and prevent diseases. This information will help support my young parents who are experiencing childbirth for the first time. For instance, I can give them a variety of resource that will show them how they can prepare for childbirth. I can also, use this additional information to help me become more of an advocate for my children and their families by sharing the new information I have gain from this class.

References:

Dr. L.J. Horwood, L. J. (2000, December). Breast milk Boosts IQ in Premature Babies. [Blog message]. Retrieved September 15, 2011, from http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/all_about_preemie_iq.html

PRNewswire. (2011, April 26). New Findings on Asthma and Breastfeeding. [Blog message]. Retrieved September 15, 2011, from http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/all_about_latest_asma.html

European Journal of Cancer. (2001, January). Prolonged Breastfeeding May Protect Against Childhood Leukemia. Retrieved September 15, 2011, from http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/all_about_leukemia.html

Childbirth Experience

Taking part in my sister’s first birthing experience was amazing. My niece was born on October 18, 2004. I was excited and anxious for the birth of my niece because my sister had to have a Cesarean section. It was my sister’s first child, so she was very nervous. The doctor insured my sister that everything will be okay. The procedure didn’t take long at all like a normal birthing experience, which can take up to hours. I can remember the doctor cutting my sister and pulling my niece out of her stomach. After taking my niece out of my sister, they took her to this weighing machine and cleaned her up. Once my niece was clean, they let my sister, and I see her. She looked so beautiful and precious. I chose this example because it was my first birthing experience. I believe birthing a child is one of the most beautiful experiences that God has given women. Childirth has some impact on child development, because during prenatal development a woman can have complication that can harm the baby’s growth. Complications are not unusual in child birth, and it can hinder the developmental growth.

I chose to read about childbirth in Africa. I’ve learned that African countries have some of the worst maternal mortality rates in the world. They lack hospitals, train medical personnel, road access and transportation. Most women in Africa die in childbirth, because of the lack of resources. Nine times out of ten they deliver their babies at home with the help of local women, because there aren’t enough medically trained midwives, especially in rural areas of Africa. I'ved learned that childbirth in Africa verse childbirth, in America is totally different. My experience with the birth of my niece has showed me that women need a medical facility and train medical personnel in order to handle any medical complication. As a result, the impact of the birthing experience on development has taught me that, without the proper resources for childbirth, women can die.