preterm birth and breastfeeding
Data from many resources support the disparities of low birth weight infants and preterm births between different ethnic and cultural groups. For example, according to Kaiser Family Foundation 2010 study, Non-Hispanic Black had the highest percentage rate of preterm births among all births compared to Non-Hispanic White and Hispanic group. Hispanic group was in the middle, and Non-Hispanic white was the lowest in all the states of the US (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2010).
Even though medical treatment greatly reduced the mortality rate, low-birth weight infants still have high risk to suffer chronic respiratory problems, cognitive delays, cerebral palsy, and other neural deficits in their future life. Medical problems exert stress on family, especially low-socioeconomic population that has less access to medical support. However, they need more help and education, because preterm births occur more in those groups.
Based on my experience, there are still not enough efforts to bring public awareness. Support services should come with various modalities from the society to close the gap of low-birth rate between different ethnicity and cultural groups. Once doctors’ office identifies the high probability of preterm birth of pregnancy, social service referral should be made immediately to follow up. It is a great idea to make pamphlets with education information of pregnancy care, list of community resources, and educational websites. Pamphlets should be available in city library, high schools, doctors’ office, and the easily accessible public areas. Community center may provide educational classes.
WHO (2013) promotes breastfeeding, stating that “Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival”. Positive impact of breastfeeding has been supported by many research studies around the world. Most recent study by Belfield and Kelly (2013) shows that breastfed kids during infancy are more protective from obesity in later life,
Even though medical treatment greatly reduced the mortality rate, low-birth weight infants still have high risk to suffer chronic respiratory problems, cognitive delays, cerebral palsy, and other neural deficits in their future life. Medical problems exert stress on family, especially low-socioeconomic population that has less access to medical support. However, they need more help and education, because preterm births occur more in those groups.
Based on my experience, there are still not enough efforts to bring public awareness. Support services should come with various modalities from the society to close the gap of low-birth rate between different ethnicity and cultural groups. Once doctors’ office identifies the high probability of preterm birth of pregnancy, social service referral should be made immediately to follow up. It is a great idea to make pamphlets with education information of pregnancy care, list of community resources, and educational websites. Pamphlets should be available in city library, high schools, doctors’ office, and the easily accessible public areas. Community center may provide educational classes.
WHO (2013) promotes breastfeeding, stating that “Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival”. Positive impact of breastfeeding has been supported by many research studies around the world. Most recent study by Belfield and Kelly (2013) shows that breastfed kids during infancy are more protective from obesity in later life,