Breastfeeding is a very intimate bonding of mother and child. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences for me as a mom. Even though it has 25 years since I have breastfed, It seems as though it was yesterday. Having the opportunity to hold my baby close, caress them, smell them was so very special. I also wanted to provide them with as many antibodies for fighting infection as possible. Since I taught 9 years before I had children, I had been exposed to many infections and diseases. I was grateful that I was able to offer this for my children. I know that not all mothers can or want to do it. It is definitely a choice.
In contrast, in Rwanda, Africa, it is expected that women will breastfeed their children. One of the reasons for this is the lack of clean drinking water which is needed to mix the dry formula. Some mothers have a dilemma with breastfeeding because they are infected with the HIV virus. If they breastfeed, there is a good possibility that the virus will be transferred to the baby. If mothers are able to use formula, many babies die in infancy because of diarrheal illnesses. Fortunately, scientists are giving the mothers medications during pregnancy to help prevent the spread of the disease. They are now trying to continue the medications after birth to both mother and baby to see if it increases the protection of HIV. Early indications are that it does.
I feel for these mothers, especially the ones with HIV. Choosing the formula has a high incidence of death. Breastfeeding often leads to transference of the HIV virus. Either way death of a child is the option. It is heartbreaking to think about the decisions they have to make.
We are very fortunate in the United States to have so many choices because of all of the resources that we have at our fingertips. Just from the two weeks of class that we have had, I know that as we study future topics, it will be important to get a global perspective of each one. There may be options that we have not explored in the U.S. that need to be. As in my topic this week, there may be complications that I need to be sensitive to as I work with families in my program. Doing research on different cultures will be important in order to meet the needs of and provide resources for the children and their families.
Slater, Mackenzie; Stringer, Elizabeth M.; Stringer, Jeffrey, S.A. (2010, Feb 1). Breastfeeding in HIV-Positive Women: What can be recommended?. Pediatric Drugs, vol.12(1) pp. 1-9. Retrieved from Academic Research Complete at Walden University Library.
I think it is wonderful that you had the opportunity to breastfeed your baby. Unfortunately, I was not able to breastfeed either of my babies due to physical complications on my part. When I could not breastfeed, I was extremely upset and very disappointed. I blamed myself and often worried about whether or not my girls would be ok. I can only imagine the pain the mother's in Africa feel. It really is heart breaking. Hopefully other options for these mothers will come soon and save their babies.
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteI also wrote about breastfeeding and picked Africa to write about :) I am so very sad about the HIV crisis in Africa and how it is decimating the population. Yes, antiviral drugs are available but in most cases are cost prohibitive.
I have a funny story about breastfeeding. I have 5 sisters and I was the last one to have a baby. All 5 of my sisters breastfed their children and were very proud of it. When my sister in law wasn't able to breastfeed we felt very sorry for her, and I have to admit we were a little critical :( So when my daughter refused to latch on I went to the lactation consultant not once but twice. I was determined to breastfeed my baby. I loved breastfeeding, it was such a great, relaxing time of day. I also loved the bond that formed.
Barbara
Hi Carol!
ReplyDeleteI seem to share your view about the global perspective on many of the issues already offered in this course. My eyes have been opened, and in many ways, I feel extra blessed to be living in the United States. I wasn't aware of much of what affects children throughout the world.
I chose not to breastfed my son for very personal reasons, and even today, I sometimes regret that decision. I was certain to hold him, smell him, and just enjoy him... as I still do today, since other than my hubby, he is definitely my best friend.
I feel for the women who have HIV. I only hope that Africa is able to do enough research to come up with something that will help these precious infants; something that mom can afford and is available. With all that I have read, there is such a huge risk of passing on HIV just during pregnancy; breastfeeding is just another venue after birth. What a no-win situation for mom and baby.
Carol, hello!!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading this....i went back to my breastfeeding days, just a couple of weeks ago, my one year old, decided she was done! My 3 yr old decided she was done at 10 months....i miss holding my baby close and enjoying her but i dont miss the bites:-).The bond is so precious and i think my husband was alittle jealous, did i say alittle, i mean very jealous;-)
In most of Africa, not just Rwanda, breastfeeding is expected(either because its more nutritous or formula is much more expensive). Breastfeeding is rarely an option. As much i love children and would wish for all women to have their own, i do wish that the choice of whether to bring children into the world was made earlier than later especially in the case of HIV/AIDS. It is a very sad scene to behold(from experience). Iam grateful though that preventative measures are being implemented to save these babies. You gotta love science and research!