A Community Experience: Breast Feeding

A Community Experience: Breast Feeding

Introduction

It is apparent based on observations in the community setting how vast this field of midwifery is. For this reason the report proposes to look specifically at the area of breastfeeding and the role of the community midwife drawing upon the evidence of care provided in the practise area assigned to the author. Payne (2008, 23) argues that health education and health promotion are integral to the role of the midwife, and the midwives working in the community have a key part to play in promoting breastfeeding as means of improving public health overall.

Discussion

The discussion and promotion of breastfeeding can in fact commence at the initial booking visit. By providing women with relevant information the community midwife can encourage successful breastfeeding. Jamieson (1997, 51) claim that the function of the midwife is not only to provide the relevant knowledge for the mother, but also to identify the skills she needs and specifically enhance her confidence and autonomy.

Understanding correct attachment and being able to teach it to the mother is essential.

Although women will receive assistance on the postnatal ward with breastfeeding it is not until women return home that problems can surface and the mother may become inclined to resort to formula feeding.

The majority of women who wish to breastfeed will commence this whilst on the postnatal ward, although lactation is unlikely to start until after they are discharge home, highlighting the importance of the midwife working in the community to support women who choose to breastfeed (Bick, 2005).

At the initial booking the community midwife can intercept any previous feeding complications and begin the process of educating or rebuilding her confidence. She can refer expectant mothers to relevant support groups in the area. In one trust observations were made of a scheme where women who were pregnant were able to attend a breast feeding clinic. This gave them the opportunity to ask questions and broaden their knowledge of feeding.

At all times the community midwife must implement the 'Baby Friendly Initiative' which encourages breastfeeding. The Baby Friendly Initiative works by producing assessments and an accreditation process that recognises when breastfeeding requirements have been met.

Community midwifes can assist with giving instructions and advice on 'latching on'. This part of breastfeeding can cause many issues as the mother can be so anxious to get her baby attached. The midwife must take the time to reassure the ...