The Advantage of Breastfeeding - Assignment Example

Topic: Proposition of breasfeeding Instructions: you are gonna be writing only the pros on this issue. one of the pro aguements should be the effect on IQ testing, some research states that breastfed ba biest score higher on IQ test. find a concrete refferece of this using the school databasis. Guidelines for the Research Assignment: Audience: Your paper should be understood by a broader audience than scholars in Developmental Psychology. You will have to explain concepts and not expect your audience to understand jargon. Format: Length for each individual position paper should be a minimum of five double-spaced pages of typed text. This does not include graphics, cover page, appendices, or reference page). Margins: 1 inch top, bottom, left, right Thesis: A thesis statement must be included in the introduction, generally at the end of the introductory material. The body of your paper should provide supporting evidence to support your thesis, in a logical fully developed, consistent manner. For each new topic which supports your overall thesis, provide a topic sentence or two which is, in effect, the thesis for that subtopic which supports your controlling idea for the whole paper. Sources: Use a minimum of 5 CURRENT academic sources. Check the source of all information for reliability. Just because it is in print or on the internet, does not mean the source is credible. Follow the current standard of APA style for documenting the sources in your text. Review the following link for assistance: http://www.durhamtech.edu/html/prospective/library/APAguide06.pdf Conclusion: The conclusion should not be a restatement of your whole paper, but should give the paper closure. Some summation is acceptable which reinforces your main themes. Reference Page: Use APA style. Be consistent with the text citation style used in the body of the paper. Again, refer to the reference page above for assistance. Appendices: Graphs or charts should only be used if they can clarify some concept in your paper. Don’t use them just for effect or filler. If you include large graphs or charts, include each on a separate appendix page and label each one A, B, and so on. Refer to such appendices in the text where you discuss that issue. There is a very useful resource in mydevelopmentlab, Course Compass called Research Navigator. If you feel uncomfortable with the research writing process, please consult this tab. Additional references for APA writing styles can be found http://www.durhamtech.edu/html/prospective/library/APAguide06.pdf Research Assignment Rubric Criteria Exemplary Good Acceptable Unacceptable Purpose The writer’s central purpose or argument is readily apparent to the reader. The writing has a clear purpose or argument, but may sometimes digress from it. The central purpose or argument is not consistently clear throughout the paper. The purpose or argument is generally unclear. Content Balanced presentation of relevant and legitimate information that clearly supports a central purpose or argument and shows a thoughtful, in-depth analysis of a significant topic. Reader gains important insights. Information provides reasonable support for a central purpose or argument and displays evidence of a basic analysis of a significant topic. Reader gains some insights. Information supports a central purpose or argument at times. Analysis is basic or general. Reader gains few insights. Central purpose or argument is not clearly identified. Analysis is vague or not evident. Reader is confused or may be misinformed. Organization The ideas are arranged logically to support the purpose or argument. They flow smoothly from one to another and are clearly linked to each other. The reader can follow the line of reasoning. The ideas are arranged logically to support the central purpose or argument. They are usually clearly linked to each other. For the most part, the reader can follow the line of reasoning. In general, the writing is arranged logically, although occasionally ideas fail to make sense together. The reader is fairly clear about what the writer intends. The writing is not logically organized. Frequently, ideas fail to make sense together. The reader cannot identify a line of reasoning and loses interest. Feel The writing is compelling. It hooks the reader and sustains interest throughout. The writing is generally engaging, but has some dry spots. In general, it is focused and keeps the reader’s attention. The writing is dull and unengaging. Though the paper has some interesting parts, the reader finds it difficult to maintain interest. The writing has little personality. The reader quickly loses interest and stops reading. Criteria Exemplary Good Acceptable Unacceptable Tone The tone is consistently professional and appropriate for an academic research paper. The tone is generally professional. For the most part, it is appropriate for an academic research paper. The tone is not consistently professional or appropriate for an academic research paper. The tone is unprofessional. It is not appropriate for an academic research paper. Sentence Structure Sentences are well-phrased and varied in length and structure. They flow smoothly from one to another. Sentences are well-phrased and there is some variety in length and structure. The flow from sentence to sentence is generally smooth. Some sentences are awkwardly constructed so that the reader is occasionally distracted. Errors in sentence structure are frequent enough to be a major distraction to the reader. Word Choice Word choice is consistently precise and accurate. Word choice is generally good. The writer often goes beyond the generic word to find one more precise and effective choice. Word choice is merely adequate, and the range of words is limited. Some words are used inappropriately. Many words are used inappropriately, confusing the reader. Grammar, Spelling, Writing Mechanics (punctuation, capitalization, etc. The writing is free or almost free of errors. There are occasional errors, but they don’t represent a major distraction or obscure meaning. The writing has many errors, and the reader is distracted by them. There are so many errors that meaning is obscured. The reader is confused and stops reading. Length Paper is the number of pages specified in the assignment. Minimum of 5 pages. Paper has more or fewer pages than specified in the assignment. Less than 5 pages. Criteria Exemplary Good Acceptable Unacceptable Use of References Compelling evidence from professionally legitimate sources is given to support claims. Attribution is clear and fairly represented. Minimum of 5 Current Academic References. Professionally legitimate sources that support claims are generally present and attribution is, for the most part, clear and fairly represented. Although attributions are occasionally given, many statements seem unsubstantiated. The reader is confused about the source of information and ideas. References are seldom cited to support statements. Quality of References References are primarily current peer reviewed professional journals or other approved sources. The reader is confident that the information and ideas can be trusted. Although most of the references are current and professionally legitimate, a few are questionable. The reader is uncertain of the reliability of some of the sources. Most of the references are from sources that are not peer reviewed and have uncertain reliability. The reader doubts the accuracy of much of the material presented. There are virtually no sources that are professionally reliable. The reader seriously doubts the value of the material and stops reading. Use of Most Recent Edition of the Publication Manual of the APA APA or MLA format is used accurately and consistently in the paper and on the References Page. APA or MLA format is used with minor errors. There are frequent errors in APA or MLA format. Format of the document is not recognizable as APA or MLA. Instructions files attached: 1. NB. ATTN!.doc Created: 2008-04-30 09:49 Deadline: 2008-05-14 07:51 Time Left: 326 hours Style: APA Language Style: English (U.S.) Grade: n/a Pages: 4 Sources: 5 Essay Breastfeeding is a very natural and ideal way of feeding the infant that makes it a unique and emotional basis for child development 1. It has been recognized to support the growth and development of infants and young children. This natural process has beneficial effects to both the child and the mother and adopting practices that hinder this process could have deleterious effects on them 3. Thus most importantly, breastfeeding plays a significant role in bonding the child and the mother 2. The beneficial effects of human colostrum secreted before and after birth and breast milk on the infant, include strengthening the immune system, reduce the risk of being overweight and obese in childhood and later in life, increase cognitive and intellectual development in early and middle childhood, lower risk for coronary diseases and supply bioactive compounds such as hormones, peptides, glycoprotein’s and essential fatty acids 3. The mother is benefited through a higher cardiac output, release of gastrointestinal hormones which enhance digestion and stimulate anabolic metabolism, reduced risk of ovarian and breast cancers, increased bone mineral density and decreased emotional stress 3.These are explained in detail in the below paragraphs. Hence, considering the mutual benefits to both the mother and child the practice of breastfeeding should be strongly encouraged. A recent meta-analysis report has concluded that there is a reduced risk of childhood obesity and excess weight among breast fed infants born to diabetic or overweight mothers 4. The growth factors and other glycoprotein’s present in human milk may play a role in the maturation of small intestine of infants 3. These children have shown to have a greater mucosal mass, DNA and protein content of the small intestine, enabling it to function as a protective barrier against foreign substances. Data also indicates that breastfed newborns are more alert and exhibit more body activity 3. Various studies conducted have shown significantly higher scores with regard to the intellectual development among breastfed children. In one study breast fed children at 15 years of age scored very well in tests of nonverbal ability, mathematics and reading ability and another study showed a positive association between breastfeeding and high school attainment at 18 years of age. A significant relationship was also observed between breastfeeding and intelligence in adults 3, 5. Studies show that the fatty acids uniquely available in breast milk help breastfed children attain higher IQ scores than non-breastfed children. Researchers followed breastfed children up to 7 to 8 years of age and found that they had a significantly higher IQ compared to those who did not receive any breast milk. 3. The predominant long chain poly unsaturated fatty present in human milk are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) 6, 7. These two acids are known to accumulate in the brain during the initial post natal months. Evidences show that these fatty acids increase the cognitive development of children 6. Studies have also proven that infants fed with artificial milk or formula foods possess lesser energy than those who are breastfed. Both DHA and EPA have been shown to ameliorate the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The presence of EPA and DHA in foods has been shown to attenuate anorectic responses to infectious illness. Hence their presence in breast milk may help to protect against illness induced anorexia 7. Another important factor associated with breast feeding is the dose or duration of feeding. Fully breast fed infants have been shown to have lower overall illness rates 8. Most national and international authorities like the WHO and the American Association of Pediatrics recommend full 6 months of breastfeeding. Studies have proven that such full feeding provides greater protection against gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections 8. A recent study has established quicker motor and language skill development among breast fed children aged 10-71 months. If the duration of feeding was longer, a better language development was noticed 9. Studies have also shown an inverse relationship between breastfeeding and the occurrence of coronary heart disease later in life. It has been indicated that it reduces the total cholesterol in adults and is inversely associated with intima-media thickness and plaque formation. However prolonged feeding may lead to arterial distensibility which might cause coronary heart disease 10. Breastfeeding may also help to establish a bonding in case of adopted children and if the mother wishes to do so, suitable support should be given by health care professionals 2. In such cases even if the process is non-nutritional, the positive effects from the act of suckling on both the mother and the child should be considered. Breastfeeding has a calming and an analgesic effect on the infant reduces its heart and metabolic rate and the perception of pain decreases during suckling. It also helps to stabilize blood glucose levels and body temperature. Likewise feeding also has a soothing effect on the mother due to the release of hormones such as oxytoxin and prolactin. Such women have been shown to have lower blood pressure and it helps them to de-stress. They have also been shown to be more caring, interactive and responsive 2. In addition the hypothesis that breastfeeding for a longer duration protects the mother against breast cancer has been affirmed recently 11. However despite the innumerable positive effects associated with breastfeeding, there are several disruptive factors that could influence the women against feeding her child like family, employment and several alternatives to breastfeeding readily available in the market which are promoted by healthcare professionals. The responsibility to promote breastfeeding and protect lactating mother’s from such influences rests with the society at large 1. Campaigns should be done highlighting the beneficial effects which breastfeeding brings both to the mother and the child and pregnant women should be properly counseled by medical professionals about the process of lactation and breastfeeding. The discrimination shown against girl children with respect to breast feeding should also be alleviated completely 3. Families practicing this culture traditionally where a male child is favored over females must realize that breastfeeding is the right of every child irrespective of their sex. Reference: 1. Kent, G. (2006). Child feeding and Human Rights. International Breast Feeding Journal, 1(27). 2. Gribble, D. K. (2006). Mental health, attachment and breast feeding: implications for adopted children and their mothers. International Breast Feeding Journal, 1(5). 3. Macadam, S.P, Dettwyler, A.K. (1995).Breast feeding: Biocultural perspectives. Aldine Transaction. 4. Mayer-Davis, E.J et al. (2006). Breast feeding and risk of childhood obesity. Diabetes care, 29: 2231-2237. 5. Mortensen, L.E et al. (2002). The association between duration of breast feeding and adult intelligence. The Journal of the American medical Association, 287 (18), 2365-2371 6. Caspi, A et al. (2007). Moderation of breast feeding effects on the IQ by genetic variation in fatty acid metabolism. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 104 (47), 18860-18865. 7. Garza, C et al. (2008). Breast feeding’s protection against illness-induced anorexia is mediated partially by docosahexaenoic acid. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 62: 32-38. 8. Chantry, J.C et al. (2006). Full breast feeding duration and Associated decrease in Respiratory tract infection in US children. Pediatrics, 117 (2), 425-432. 9. Kogan, D.M, Newacheck, W.P. (2007). Introduction to the Volume on articles from the National survey of Children’s Health. Pediatrics, 119 (1). 10. Martin, M.R et al. (2005). Breast feeding and atherosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis and Vascular Biology, 25 (1). 11. Bray, F et al. (2004). The changing global patterns of female breast cancer incidence and mortality. Breast cancer Research, 6: 229-239. Read More