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Health Professionals and Breastfeeding: Why Do They Have So Much Trouble Understanding?
by Jack Newman
Health professionals, especially pediatricians, have a tremendous influence on families and their understanding of breastfeeding. This article discusses two factors that color how health professionals provide information on breastfeeding. One factor is the "bottle feeding mentality" - the bottle is the symbol of babies in Western society. The second factor is the general minimal education which tends to focus on abnormality and measurement that is provided to health care professionals. Education of all health care providers to improve the image of breastfeeding is encouraged.
Focal Point on Labor Support: How a Birth Doula Affects Breastfeeding
by Jan Mallak
This article focuses on the birth doula and how she can affect breastfeeding. The extension of the role of the doula beyond the labor and delivery room is discussed. Doulas assist families after birth by encouraging breastfeeding in the delivery room, being available for support after discharge, and providing other resources during this important time.
Is Early Discharge Really Safe?
by Kathleen Auerbach
The purpose of this article is to discuss research findings related to the safety of an early discharge policy for postpartum women. Findings pro and con are deliberated and specific questions and issues related to the research methodology and results are raised. Finally, the role of the childbirth educator in providing anticipatory guidance related to early discharge is outlined.
To download and view this article (in pdf format), click here.
Formula Feeding: What New Parents Need to Know
by Cheryl Coleman
To meet the needs of the forty percent of new parents who choose bottle feeding, this article discusses what new parents need to know about this feeding choice. The history of formula development, issues related to formula choice and iron fortification, and feeding amounts and techniques are presented. Strategies related to teaching safe preparation for formula and the role of the childbirth educator are emphasized.
The Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Food Program (WIC): What You Should Know
by Ann Kane
This article presents important facts related to the WIC program that should be presented in a prenatal nutrition class. The WIC program purpose, eligibility requirements, and application process are outlined.
Family Health Promotion from the Couple's Perspective, Part 2: Practical Considerations
by Viola Polomeno
Part 1 of this article (published in the March IJCE) considered the family health promotion framework from the perspective of the couple as they are preparing themselves for the transition to parenthood as well as for laying down the foundation for family intimacy. The emphasis of Part 2 is placed on the "self-relationship-partner" perspectives. Specific approaches related to the way traditional classes can be modified to assure both the pregnant woman's and her partner's perspectives are included. How these strategies help in maintaining and initiating family health promotion is presented.
Statistics
by Dale King
Breastfeeding
Educator's Corner
by Kathy Swift
What is your opinion regarding material printed by formula companies on breastfeeding? Should this material be distributed in childbirth classes? Why or why not?
The Internet
by Debra Madonna
Breast or Bottle?
Political Issues
by Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam
Perinatal HIV: Medical, Legal, and Ethical Concerns; Part I: Medical Issues
Healthy Lifestyles
by Ana Lopez-Dawson
Feeding Disorders During Infancy and Early Childhood
Resources
by Rebecca Ward
I Am Your Child
Audio Visual Review
by Margery Simchak
It Can Happen to You, a video produced by teens about teen sexuality and pregnancy |
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