Saturday, November 13, 2010

Public Health Issue

Breastfeeding in China

As I did research on mother’s breastfeeding in China, I realized that the numbers are not completely accurate.  The numbers that are given are for mothers that actually had the baby and are raising the baby.  This rate did not include all of the mothers that gave birth and took their babies to an orphanage. These babies in the orphanage are not breastfed.  I read that only 20% of mothers in China actually breastfed for at least 6 months while 45% breastfed for at least 4 months. These numbers do not include “all” births. It is Chin’s plan to have 85% of babies to be breastfed for at least 4 months. Breastfeeding rates in China have dropped for a couple of reasons. One is just lack of knowledge on the mother’s part and the other is the misguided promotion from the formula company ads. The company false advertisement misleads the consumer by stating it will make the babies “healthier” and “smarter” if they use the formula! (8-8-2009)
In the United States, women have very different opinions on breastfeeding. Some women, such as myself, look at breastfeeding in a natural way to feed your baby and bond with your baby.  Others view it as inconvenient. Some mothers just can not breastfeed.  The research and information I found was important to be because of my daughters being born there and also more and more people are adopting children from China and they will be attending our schools.  This information is good for personal and professional reasons! Funny how being a mother and being a teacher so intertwine with one another!

Reference:
http://www.chinadaily.com/.


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4 comments:

  1. Sauda PNovember 13, 2010 at 10:24 PM

    The formaula companies are speading this misinformation around the world. Many American were just as vulnerable years ago. I remember my grandmother advising me to give my son a bottle because she felt it would be better for him. If we would only remember that what was given to us by the Creater is better than the things that man produces. China is industrialized and is experiencing the ills of their economic growth. .

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  2. Jen.JaggersNovember 14, 2010 at 10:54 AM

    Hi Rhonda,
    I did research on this topic too (in Cambodia) and found similar results-because of the formula companies' push and advertising, many mothers do not know the benefits of breastfeeding-this truly amazed me! Fortunately, WHO and UNICEF have a worldwide baby-friendly hospital initiative and are working to promote breastfeeding and encourage medical professionals to not push formula on new mothers. It is really interesting if you want to check it out: http://www.unicef.org/programme/breastfeeding/baby.htm

    Also, I wanted to say that you bring up a good point about how the statistics can be skewed by factors such as orphanages, that is definitely something to think about!

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  3. JackiePNovember 14, 2010 at 2:31 PM

    Hello Rhonda, Thanks for all the information you provided! I know in the area where I live adoptions from China are very commmon. In fact, three people at my school have adopted from China and more information can only benefit us. I also agree that our teaching and personal lives can be so intertwined. Each gives us information and support for the other.

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  4. RhondaRollTideNovember 14, 2010 at 4:24 PM

    Sauda, Jennifer, & Jackie,
    Thank you all for your comments and positive feedback! Jackie we have several familes around us that have also adopted from China. It really helps to have the background info! ;0) Jennifer I will check out the link you gave me! I am always will to learn more!!! The more info I have the better off I am! Thanks to you all! ;0)

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