ABSTRACT
Infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who are breastfed have significantly shorter clinical episodes of the condition than artificially fed infants. The purpose of this study was to identify the knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding in mothers of babies 0-12 months of age with gastroesophageal reflux. A non-probabilistic sample was taken among patients from various private radiological centers. Sixty mothers completed a self-administered questionnaire, with a median age of 26 years and an educational level of 14 years. Seventy one percent breastfed their last baby, but only 18.6 practiced exclusive breastfeeding. The pediatrician suggested formula to 53.3 of the mothers, and 64 of the mothers were told to combine breast milk with vegetables as treatment for the GERD. Inadequate knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding was exhibited by 27 of the mothers. Mothers of infants with GERD need education on the importance of breastfeeding. Further research is necessary on the factors which impact the duration of breastfeeding in this population.
Subject(s)
Humans , Infant, Newborn , Infant , Adolescent , Adult , Breast Feeding , Gastroesophageal Reflux , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Mothers , Cross-Sectional StudiesABSTRACT
Breastfeeding has experienced a surge in Puerto Rico thanks to the efforts of many women, as well as governmental, non-governmental and private organizations. Among the aspects which can affect the initiation, establishment and maintenance of successful breastfeeding one finds potential ethical conflicts among health professionals as well as the financial interests of the companies which produce and market artificial milks. These companies dedicate great marketing efforts and enormous sums of money in the sale of their products, in detriment of breastfeeding. The profit motive of these companies is in open contradiction to public health and to breastfeeding promotion. The international community has carried out efforts for more than two decades in the creation of structures which protect the rights of women and their children to ideal nutrition practices, free from commercial pressures, through breastfeeding. Possible ethical conflicts related to the new industry of breastfeeding paraphernalia are discussed, especially when these are marketed exclusively for profit. Recommendations are presented for health professionals in order for them to be able to face and respond to the unethical strategies practiced by the manufacturers of artificial milks in utilizing these professionals for legitimating and marketing their products.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Infant, Newborn , Breast Feeding , Ethics , Industry/economics , Infant Food/economics , Public HealthABSTRACT
A prior study had the objective of identifying knowledge and experience on breastfeeding of obstetricians and pediatricians in two private hospitals of the Metropolitan Area of San Juan, Puerto Rico. This study presents the experience of those physicians regarding breastfeeding education during their residency training. An exploratory research design was used, the sample was non-probabilistic and was selected according to availability for participation among the physicians who visited those hospitals during June, 1997. The studied sample included 29 pediatricians and 26 obstetricians. Descriptive statistics and crosstab tables were used to describe the results. It was found that participating physicians had little or no exposition to breastfeeding related topics during their respective residency programs. They are aware of the importance of their role in the achievement of successful breastfeeding. They perceive themselves as effective in stimulating breastfeeding although they recognize that they should have received better training on the subject. This attitude is worrisome in face of the fact that this same group presented significant deficiencies in a previous study with regards to knowledge in the management of breastfeeding.