Child Development and Public Health

Breastfeeding is a topic that is meaningful to me because I breastfeed both of my children. I was only able to breastfeed my first son six weeks but, with my second I was able to breastfeed him until he was six months old.

Breastfeeding is beneficial to both mother and baby. The benefits for babies are that it provides all the nutrients and antibodies they need. It protects babies from illness because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Babies who are breastfeed are less likely to experience ear infections and diarrhea.

The benefits for mothers are that it decreases her risk for breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer and are less likely to suffer from postpartum depression. I enjoyed breastfeeding for the following reasons, I didn't have to sterilize any bottle or nipples, the baby bag wasn't heavy, it saved me money and it allowed me to have more quiet time with my new baby.

I looked into breastfeeding in Africa. I just recently researched the traditional and cultural ways to give birth in Africa, so I decided to further my investigation. The husband, the village elders, education, socioeconomic status and their culture and traditions determines whether or not a mother will breastfeed her new baby.

• more than 95% of infants are breastfeed in Africa 
• average duration of breastfeeding is 0-6 months before they are introduce to water and porridge
• AIDS epidemic is threatening breastfeeding in Africa 
• World Health Organization (WHO) is promoting exclusive breastfeeding for moms in Africa 
• all villages and huts are not properly equipped with clean and sanitized water so formula and bottle feeding are impossible and unsanitary for those living there. 
• decision making individuals like husband and grandmother are not properly educated about the benefits of breastfeeding 

Improvements are being made by educating mothers on their perception of breastfeeding and providing them with the proper counseling and support by the World Health Organization.