Child Development and Public Health

  The topic I chose was breastfeeding.  I personally can say that breastfeeding is challenging and rewarding at the same time.  My husband and I made the decision to breastfeed my son during my pregnancy.  At first, I was nervous about breastfeeding, because I was not educated on the process.  (I was not able to go to any classes due to being on bedrest and my husband's work schedule.)  About 20 minutes after my son was born, the nurses coached me on the process of getting my son to latch.  I was nervous, because I didn't see colostrum. I continued to ask was he starving and how would I know.  After a quick coaching and successful latch, I was on my way to a successful breastfeeding journey.  The process was difficult and painful at times, but I had the encouragement of family and medical professionals.  

  I recently read about the breast feeding experiences of Mexican American mothers.  They are more likely to start formula feeding earlier than Caucasian or African American mothers.  (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4710489/ ) The article, Exclusive Breastfeeding Experiences among Mexican American woman,  quoted "Spanish speaking women to be more likely to breastfeed, exclusively breastfeed, and breastfeed longer". (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4710489/) The article also spoke about how other ethnicities have had impact on breastfeeding mothers in America.
 
I find it interesting that some women immediately turn to formula for support without trying to supply their children with breastmilk.  Speaking to my friend, I realize that some women do not have a choice.  Based upon their job and their financial situations, it is sometimes easier to feed the child with formula.

As long as I am able to, I plan to continue to breastfeed all of my children.  It is a privilege that some women are not able to do

References

Wambach, K., Williams Domian, E.,  Page-Goertz, S., Wurtz, H., Hoffman, K.,  (2016, Feb.1) Exclusive Breastfeeding Experiences among Mexican American Woman.  NCBI Retrieved from  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4710489/