Past Works

This is an example of a paper I presented for a past communications class! The purpose was to put together an informational brochure or flyer using techincal writing. I would enjoy hearing your cmments on how I did! First reactions? Thoughts? Improvements?

Breastfeeding at a Glance

Breastfeeding is the feeding of human milk to infants. Breastfeeding is a very easy, safe, convenient, and cost effective way of providing all of the nutritional needs for an infant’s healthy development. It is recommended that Breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months of life offers many benefits, not only to the infant, but to the mother as well. “It is estimated that around 35% of infants aged 0 to 6 months are exclusively breastfed in the world today”¹

*The easiest way to get started is find a good support person, a mom who has breastfed before, a nurse from the doctor’s office, or a doula (a woman certified in labor, delivery, & breastfeeding)

Holding Your Baby for Feeding

*There are two main positions when breastfeeding an infant, the Chest to Chest position and the football hold.

*Chest to Chest: Position the infant so they are tummy to tummy with you, as if you were holding them to cuddle them or comfort them. This is a good position for smaller infants and allows the breast to be in the most natural position for feeding.

*The Football hold: In this position, the infants head is in your hand on the same side you will feed them on, with their legs and feet tucked behind you. This position gets its name because it is how a receiver on a football team carries the football. This position is most comfortable for moms who need to have a free hand to help guide the infant to the breast².

Benefits of Breastfeeding!

For baby:

Breastfeeding is safe for infants.

It provides all of the nutrients a developing infant needs to be healthy

Breast milk contains antibodies that keep infants healthy

It lends to the bonding between mother and infant.

For Mothers:

Breastfeeding helps moms lose pregnancy weight faster

It reduces the risks of ovarian cancer

It helps the uterus shrink back to its original size

Enables the mother to bond more effectively with the infant

Save Money!

The cost of formula for the first year is over $1000³ and that does not include buying bottles.

**Breastfeeding Costs Nothing Is easy, and convenient!**

No getting up at 2am, going to the kitchen, heating up the formula, all while the infant is crying and hungry.

With breastfeeding, you simply pick the infant up and everything the infant needs is always ready!

Support System

Finding support to encourage you during breastfeeding is one essential element for success!

*There are doulas that will be with you from about the 6-7 month of pregnancy all the way through the babies 6 month. Many Doulas’ work for little to no cost and offer a one on one support that is priceless.

*La Leche League is an organization that offers a full array of support to breastfeeding mothers and their infants. For more information visit http://www.llli.org/

                        

References

Kippley, S. (2007) Breastfeeding Natural Family Planning International ³

Levin, M., Cotton, J., Miller, T., & Tesoro, L., (1998-2007) Breastfeeding information The Pediatric Group, P.A. Retrieved on Oct 1, 2010 from http://www.pedgroup.com/brfdbrch.htm ²

Nutrition; Breastfeeding key to saving children's lives. (2010, August). Pediatrics Week,25.  Retrieved October 3, 2010, from ProQuest Health and Medical Complete. (Document ID: 2107865041).¹