Common Problems Experienced by Aboriginal Mothers - Term Paper Example

Heading: Maternal, Child and Family Health Your name: Course name: Professors’ name: Date Abstract This paper discussed the importance of breastfeeding for new aboriginal mothers. This paper also presents educational resources that elaborate on the importance of breastfeeding and other common problems experienced by aboriginal mothers. More so, the paper explored health care principles as well as the roles of nurses in the enhancement of primary healthcare to new aboriginal mothers. The educational resources chosen in this paper is concise, clear and easy to comprehend a factor that contributed to the successful transfer of the intended message to the new aboriginal mothers. Notably, the importance of nurses and other health professionals working closely with aboriginal mothers has been highlighted as an essential aspect. This is because of the objective of promoting their health conditions. Introduction Breastfeeding is one of the most significant shields of newborns against illnesses, most especially, the first milk expresses called colostrums, is an important milk to be fed for its nutritional value for the first few days of life. Primary healthcare workers play an important role to encourage, educate, guide and support aboriginal new mothers to ensure that their babies are breastfeed for at least six months of life, before the introduction of solid foods. This paper seeks to explore the health benefits and barriers in relation to breastfeeding and the role it plays in the health promotion of the aboriginal mothers with their new babies. Besides for the fact of its nutritional value, the paper examines the declining rates of breastfeeding among the indigenous groups. Moreover, it addresses important principles of primary healthcare as well as the role of a nurse in the provision of primary care in culturally distinct groups who has all the capacity to encourage their patients to breastfeed. This paper emphasises parent education onto newborn nutrition and feeding practices. Additionally, it justifies the rationale for choosing the resources used, and its relevance to support breastfeeding mothers and infants and the society as a whole. It also examines present issues associated with breastfeeding and ongoing monitoring that will ensure a successful feeding initiation. In conclusion, discussion and recommendations are made on working effectively with aboriginal mothers who should breastfeed their babies. Part 1 Education resource Discovering the Benefits of Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is one of the most significant shields of newborns against many illnesses, most especially, the first milk expressed called colostrum, is an important milk to be fed for its nutritional value for the first few days of life. It is vital to initiate by placing babies in skin to-skin contact with their mothers immediately after birth as this will greatly increased physiologic significance to the baby. Primary healthcare workers play an important role to encourage, educate, guide and support aboriginal new mothers to ensure that their babies are breastfeed for at least six months of life, before the introduction of solid foods. Breastfeeding has many benefits to the newborns that include: • Cognitive, physical and mental development of your baby • reduces of infections among newborns • promotes its immune health • Prevents obesity • reduces the chances of developing allergic illnesses (atopy) • protects against allergies; reduces asthma and • provides enhanced protection for infants against intestinal and respiratory infections. Avoiding the Barriers to Breastfeeding: • Demographic (e.g., young mothers, illiteracy, socioeconomic status that will lead to inaccessible support systems) • Physical problem (e.g., maternal malnutrition, nipple soreness or congenital defect) • Psychological concern (e.g. lack of confidence, tiredness, postpartum depression or perceived inadequate milk for the baby) • Social issue (e.g. maternal smoking or alcohol drinking, formula advertisement) • Environmental issue (e.g. lacking facilities to latch-on in a public place) Breastfeeding Resources: • Breastfeeding associations • Accessible Antenatal and Post-natal Education - Breastfeeding Classes facilitated by a Lactation consultant • Aboriginal services (e.g. Support from Child and Family Health Nurse) • E-support (telephone helpline, internet services) • On-going support of any health services (e.g. outpatient department service) Part 2 Health care principles Primary health care is a model for the provision of health care services and philosophy of health care. The primary healthcare focus is on the prevention of illnesses and promotion of breastfeeding among aboriginal new mothers. The World Health Organization (WHO) has come up with five major principles of primary health care that include health promotion, accessibility, suitable skills and technology, intersectional cooperation and , public participation. The aforementioned principles are intended to function and should be implemented concurrently so as to attain primary health care benefits, in relation to the breastfeeding among aboriginal mothers. To begin with, Goldsmith (2011, pp. 300-315) says that accessibility means that health services are available generally for all people regardless of geographic location. This also implies that there ought to be even distribution of health professionals in remote, rural and urban communities. These professionals are highly instrumental in the informing aboriginal new mothers on the health benefits of breastfeeding. Secondly, Liebler (2011, pp. 10-20) notes that the principle of public participation implies that the aboriginal new mothers are invited to get involved in decision making concerning their own health, in the identification of the health needs of their communities as well as consideration of the merits of optional ways of handling the needs. This principle enhances respect for diversity, and implies that delivery and design of health care is responsive and flexible (Glied 2009, pp. 13-16). It also ensures that there is a strategic and effective planning for, and the assessment of, clinical services on breastfeeding in a community (Liebler 2011, pp. 10-20). The third principle involves health promotion, which comprises of nutrition, health education, maternal and child care, sanitation, control and prevention of endemic disease (Koerber 2006 pp. 8-12). It is through this principle that the aboriginal mothers are advised on breastfeeding benefits. These activities minimize the demands for rehabilitative and curative care. Here, mothers are advised to breastfeed their children so as to enhance their health status. Fourthly, Koerber (2006 pp. 8-12) argues that there is a principle of appropriate technology that entails the significance of the development and testing of innovative models of medical care, and of the dissemination of outcomes of study associated with health care. It also ensures the importance of the continuing professional development of the labor force and capacity building in an industry that has a changing and developing technology (Knaak 2006, 12-16). It also implies that aboriginal new mothers will obtain suitable care for the suitable clinician, within an appropriate time. The fifth principle is inter-sectoral cooperation ensures a link between well-being and health of aboriginal breastfeeding mothers and the babies to social and economic policy. Inter-sectoral implies health sector experts working with other specialists other sectors, such as, housing, employment, education and immigration (Koerber 2006 pp. 8-12). This also implies that other professionals from different fields collaborate and operate interdependently so as to satisfy the needs of aboriginal mothers on breastfeeding. This principle is also significant in that it ensures that aboriginal new mothers are informed about the benefits of breastfeeding by various sectors Liebler (2011, pp. 10-20) further argues that intra-sectoral and inter-sectoral cooperation is necessary in the establishment of national health standards or goals regarding breastfeeding. Moreover, it is vital in the growth of healthy public policy and in the strategizing and assessment of medical services on breastfeeding. Role of the nurse in health promotion activities Just like other clinicians, nurses have a great role to play in the promotion of health activities among groups, individuals and communities. Health promotion entails the use of certain strategies that minimize the spread of diseases as well as offering of information about ways of maintaining the health status of the aboriginal new mothers (Bastable 2004, pp. 4-10). To begin with, nurses are charged with a responsibility of caring for the new mothers throughout the day. This implies that the assist new mothers to do what they should do themselves if they were in good health. Moreover, Hurst (2007, pp. 13-14), they make sure that the patients are breathing properly, have adequate fluids and nourishment. Patterson, Muenchberger and Kendall (2007, pp. 12-15) say that nurses also make sure that new mothers and their babies take enough sleep and rest. In terms of the aboriginal new mothers, nurses ensure that these mothers breastfeed their children regularly so as to improve their health conditions. Additionally, in the care of the aboriginal new mothers, nurses make independent decisions on the needs of the patients in terms of their knowledge of the patients’ problems and conditions (Carlson, Eisenstat & Ziporyn 2010, pp. 15-21). Apart from caring for them, nurses also provide support and comfort to the patients’ family. In a situation that the patients cannot recover, the nurses help in ensuring that death occurs peacefully. Secondly, Carlson, Eisenstat and Ziporyn (2010, pp. 15-21) note that nurses are charged with a role of collaborating with the doctors in the curing of the patients. Traditionally, only doctors had a responsibility of assessing and diagnosing patients’ conditions. Nevertheless, the nurses have been incorporated in the curing process in that they evaluate and detect the patients’ problems. In remote area, nurses have an obligation of admitting patients to distant hospitals. In most hospitals, nurses conduct most of the prescribed treatments by the doctors, such as, intravenous therapy and surgery (Goldsmith 2011, pp. 300-315). In addition, nurses monitor the patients’ progress to ensure that there are no complications in the recovery. This is inappropriate because nurses are always with the patients; hence, they easily discover their problems. Hurst (2007, pp. 13-14) maintains that nurses also have a duty of coordinating the patients’ care. This implies that nurses work together with the clinicians in order to ensure they provide adequate care. Additionally, Goldsmith (2011, pp. 300-315) maintains that nurses closely collaborate with the doctors, physical therapist and other nurses. In most of the hospitals presently, team members work together in planning the patients’ care. Moreover nurses supervise and plan care offered by nursing assistants, and checks the housekeeping staff that is meant to keep the patients’ room clean and comfortable at all times. In addition, Goldsmith (2011, pp. 300-315) argues that nurses are child and maternal nurses are midwives and registered nurses extra qualification in the field. These individuals are charged with a responsibility of offering a wide range of services through home visits, individual consultations and group meetings, for instance, breastfeeding and aboriginal new mothers support groups (Hurst 2007, pp. 13-14). They also offer health education to families to enhance well-being and health and the prevention of illnesses and provide guidance and support to families as well as developing parental skills; evaluating child development, growth and behavior at various stages relative to family health, nutrition breastfeeding, immunization, child behavior, accident prevention, and provision of access to child and family information. Your rationale for selecting the topic for your educational resource The rationale for the selection of the resource is the need to address issues of breastfeeding for aboriginal new mothers. To begin with, breastfeeding is imperative in the baby’s mental, physical and cognitive development of babies (Brown and Isaacs 2008, pp. 165-170). The resource is vital in that it addresses importance and health benefits related to breastfeeding for both the mother and the baby. Keeling (2009, pp. 31-40) says that breast feeding is imperative for the baby because it promotes its immune health. This is because in the course of breastfeeding, antibodies are transmitted to the baby. This is one of the major features of the breast milk that is created for a newborn; colostrum. In addition, Brown and Isaacs (2008, pp. 165-170) further assert that breast milk is crucial in promotion of the baby’s immunity because it contains many anti-infective factors that include bile salt stimulated lipase that helps in the prevention of amoebic infections; lactoferrin that is instrumental in binding to iron and inhibiting the development of intestinal bacteria, and immunoglobulin A that protects against microorganisms. Another benefit of breastfeeding helps in the reduction of infections among the aboriginal newborns (Stearns 2009, pp. 25-30). This is because of the availability of antibodies and anti-infective features that protect babies from diseases. It also minimizes the instant infant death syndrome. Babies who are breast-fed have improved arousal from sleep at the age of two to three months (Marquis 2009, pp. 387-392). Breastfeeding reduces the chances of developing diabetes mellitus type 1 in comparison with a child that is introduced early to solid foods and cow milk. Schriner (2007, pp. 8-12) notes that breastfeeding is also helpful in the minimization of childhood obesity risks among the children. This breastfeeding protective effect against obesity is continuous, through small, in many investigations, and seems to rise with the breastfeeding duration. Renfrew, Dyson, Wallace, & D'Souza (2005, pp. 11-15) indicates that babies that are bottle-fed in the early childhoods are more likely to finish milk in the cup or in the bottle than those that are breastfed. According to Fine (2009, pp. 135-140), breastfeeding also reduces the chances of developing allergic illnesses (atopy). Atopic syndrome may be delayed and prevented through exclusive breastfeeding for at least four months, although the benefits can be seen at the age of four. The resource also informs aboriginal new mothers that breast feeding facilitates the reduction of necrotizing enterocolitis among infants. Moreover, Miller (2009, pp. 155-160) asserts that other health factors that are promoted by breastfeeding in aboriginal mothers include protection against allergies, reduced asthma and provision of enhanced protection for infants against intestinal respiratory infections. A critical examination of the contemporary issues surrounding the topic you have chosen Avoiding the Barriers to Breastfeeding There are a number of issues associated with breastfeeding today. To begin with, there are demographic issues that include illiteracy; young age; and socioeconomic issues that hinder accessibility to the support facilities. It is common that aboriginal new mothers experience some discomfort and pain whenever their babies first latches on and begin feeding in the initial weeks or days. Some of the aboriginal mothers say that nipple soreness as an itching, burning, sensation, and pitching (Considine & Fielding 2010, pp. 14-20). Some of the causes of nipple soreness include poor care of the nipples; wrong positioning of the baby during breastfeeding; and bad feeding techniques (Carlson 2004, pp. 30-38). It is also known that babies chew mothers’ nipples when they begin teething; hence causing a lot of pain for the mothers. Secondly, breastfeeding is hindered by physical problems, such as, nipple soreness, congenital defect, or maternal malnutrition. Therefore, there is a need for sufficient, frequent feedings, good nutrition, and enough fluid in-take can aid in the maintenance a consistent supply of milk. Thirdly, there is a psychological factor that entails tiredness; lack of confidence; perceived insufficiency of maternal milk; and postpartum depression (Considine & Fielding 2010, pp. 14-20). Fourthly, breastfeeding is influenced by social issues, such as, formula advertisement, maternal alcohol drinking, or smoking. Lastly, breastfeeding can be barred by environmental issues, such as, unavailability of latching facilities in public areas. An explanation of the content, structure and presentation of the educational resource The education resource that is presented in part 1 has a certain structure, content and presentation. The content in the resource is about the health issues that relate to breastfeeding for aboriginal new mothers. Moreover, the content talks about some of the benefits of breastfeeding on babies for aboriginal new mothers. In terms of structure, the resource has a simple structure that contains a title and sub-topics. The resource is also presented in form of a poster so as to clearly communicate to the public. The poster’s structure, content and presentation are in such a way that they effectively deliver the message to the public. A reflective critique of the product produced in Part 1 The product is effective in that it communicates the intended message to the target groups. It talks about the significance of breastfeeding in the promotion of the newborns’ present and future health conditions. The product is appropriate because it informs aboriginal mothers on the significance of breastfeeding the baby exclusively prior to four years. Conclusion Breastfeeding for aboriginal new mothers are quite indispensable in the promotion of a healthy community. The education resource presented in this case informs on the benefits of breastfeeding, and some of the problems that are faced by breastfeeding aboriginal mothers. What is more, the paper has explored on some health care principles and nurses’ role in the promotion of primary healthcare to various aboriginal new mothers. The education resource used is appropriate in that it is clear, precise and easy to understand; hence effective delivery of the intended message to the aboriginal new mothers. Therefore, it is important that nurses and other health professionals work closely with aboriginal new mothers so as to promote their health conditions. References Bastable, S B 2008, Nurse as educator: principles of teaching and learning for nursing practice, Jones and Bartlett, Sudbury, Mass. pp. 4-10. Brown, J E & Isaacs, J S 2008, Nutrition through the life cycle, Thomson/Wadsworth, Australia Belmont, CA. pp. 165-170. Carlson, K 2004, The new Harvard guide to women's health, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Mass. pp. 30-38. Carlson, K J, Eisenstat, SA & Ziporyn, TD 2010, Social work in health settings practice in context, Routledge, London New York. pp. 15-21 Considine, J & Fielding, K 2010, ‘Sustainable Workforce Reform: Case Study of Victorian Nurse Practitioner Roles’, Australian Health Review, vol. 34, no. 2, pp. 14-20. http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5045496345 Fine, J 2009, The art of conscious parenting: the natural way to give birth, bond with, and raise healthy children, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vt. Pp. 135-140. Gabriel, C 2011, Natural hospital birth: the best of both worlds, Harvard Common Press, Boston, Mass. pp. 35-45. Glied, S 2009, ‘Mandates and the Affordability of Health Care’, Inquiry, vol. 46, no.3, pp. 13-16. http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5049403050 Goldsmith, S 2011, Principles of health care management: foundations for a changing health care system, Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Sudbury, Mass. pp. 300-315 Hurst, CG 2007, ‘Addressing Breastfeeding Disparities in Social Work Carol Grace Hunt’, Health and Social Work, vol. 32, no. 4, pp.10-13. Keeling, K 2009, Family fun and fitness: getting healthy and staying healthy-together, Basic Health Publications, Laguna Beach, CA. Pp. 31-40. Knaak, SJ 2006, ‘The Problem with Breastfeeding Discourse’, Canadian Journal of Public Health, vol. 97, no.3, pp. 12-16 http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5036814007 Koerber, A 2006, ‘Rhetorical Agency, Resistance, and the Disciplinary Rhetorics of Breastfeeding’, Technical Communication Quarterly, vol. 15, no.10-15, pp. 8-12. http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5037689644 Liebler, J 2011, Management principles for health professionals, Jones & Bartlett Learning, Sudbury, Mass. pp. 10-20 Miller, C 2009, Nursing for wellness in older adults, Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia. Pp. 155-160. Marquis, B 2009, Leadership roles and management functions in nursing: theory and application, Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia. Pp. 387-392. Patterson, E, Muenchberger, H & Kendall, E 2007, ‘The Role of Practice Nurses in Coordinated Care of People with Chronic and Complex Conditions’, Australian Health Review, vol. 31, no. 3, pp. 12- 15. http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5037725876 Renfrew, MJ, Dyson, L, Wallace, LM & D'Souza, L 2005, ‘Breastfeeding for Longer: What Works?’ Perspectives in Public Health, vol. 125, no.13-14, pp. 11-15. http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5044797906 Schriner, CL 2007, ‘The Influence of Culture on Clinical Nurses Transitioning into the Faculty Role’, Nursing Education Perspectives, vol. 28, no.2, pp. 8-12. http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5037629752 Stearns, CA 2009, ‘The Work of Breastfeeding’, Women's Studies Quarterly, vol. 37, no. 6, pp. 25-30. http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5041061327 Stolzer, J & Hossain, SA 2006, ‘Women, Physicians, and Breastfeeding Advice: a Regional Analysis’, Ethics & Medicine, vol. 22, no.4, pp. 23-26. http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5044767377 Read More