Breastfeeding as A Method of Health Promotion

Karen F Phillips*

Received: August 26, 2019;   Published: September 19, 2019

DOI: 10.32474/LOJNHC.2018.02.000134

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Abstract

The literature depicts many health benefits for both mother and newborn associated with breastfeeding. Although breastfeeding initiation rates have met the goals of Healthy People, the United States lags behind the achievement of optimal exclusive breastfeeding continuation and duration rates. Billions of health care dollars could be saved along with hundreds of lives with improved breastfeeding rates. The purpose of this article was to examine the association between disease prevention, health promotion, and breastfeeding rates. The findings indicated that breastfeeding does offer some maternal and newborn protection against certain diseases and conditions which may be dose dependent, although some diseases and conditions reported mixed reviews and will require additional research. For the newborn, reduced rates of certain respiratory and gastrointestinal have been reported. Maternal benefits include a reduced rate of hypertension, ovarian, and breast cancer. Although breastfeeding rates are increasing, healthcare providers should continue to utilize multiple strategies to continue to improve breastfeeding rates including education about the association between breastfeeding and improved maternal and newborn health outcomes, the importance of breastfeeding support, workplace breastfeeding support, and community resources.

Keywords: Breastfeeding; Health Promotion; Breastfeeding; Breastfeeding Benefits; Breastfeeding Continuation; Breastfeeding Duration

Abstract| Introduction| Review of the Literature| Conclusion| References|