COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AND BOTTLE FEEDING PRACTICES IN CHILD REARING
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AND BOTTLE FEEDING PRACTICES IN CHILD REARING IN ETINAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Abstract
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION
1.1Â Â Â Â Background to the study
1.2 Â Â Â Statement of the Problem
1.3 Â Â Â Purpose of the Study
1.4Â Â Â Â Research Questions
1.5Â Â Â Â Research Hypotheses
1.6Â Â Â Â Significance of the study
1.7Â Â Â Â Delimitation of the Study
1.8Â Â Â Â Limitation of the Study
1.9Â Â Â Â Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
CHAPTER THREE – RESEARCH METHODS
3.1 Â Â Â Research Design
3.2 Â Â Â Area for the study
3.3Â Â Â Population for the study
3.4 Â Â Â Sampling and Sampling Technique
3.5 Â Â Â Instrumentation
3.6 Â Â Â Instrument Validation
3.7 Â Â Â Administration of Instrument
3.8Â Â Â Â Scoring of the Instrument
3.9 Â Â Â Method of Data Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR – DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
4.1 Â Â Â Data Presentation and Analysis
4.2 Â Â Â Discussion of Result
CHAPTER FIVE – SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1Â Â Â Â Summary
5.2 Â Â Â Conclusion
5.3 Â Â Â Recommendations
5.4Â Â Â Â Suggestions for further study
References
Appendix
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Background to the Study
Without reservation, the promotion of optimal infant feeding practices is the most cost-effective of all interventions to reduce infant mortality. In spite of the recommendation of the WHO for optimal breastfeeding practices, several studies in Nigeria on early infant feeding practices have indicated a need for continuous auditing of feeding practices among mothers to make improvements
Moreover, Nigeria as a developing country with a diverse cultural landscape, presents a unique setting for studying the effects of exclusive breastfeeding and bottle feeding practices on child rearing.
Without a doubt, the country’s population is characterized by various ethnic groups and socio-economic disparities. Thus, which can influence infant feeding behaviors and access to healthcare services. Understanding the implications of these feeding practices on child health and development in Nigeria is essential for informing public health policies and interventions aimed at improving maternal and child well-being (Ukpabi, Ebelechuku, Onubogu, Uchenna, Chuka, Kenneth, 2021)
Exclusive breastfeeding and bottle feeding practices are essential components of child rearing that have significant impacts on the health and development of infants. The choice between exclusive breastfeeding and bottle feeding is a crucial decision for parents. Thus, as it directly influences the nutritional intake, immune system development, and overall well-being of the child. This study aims to comprehensively explore the effects of exclusive breastfeeding and bottle feeding practices in child rearing, drawing upon authoritative sources to provide a thorough understanding of their implications.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AND BOTTLE FEEDING PRACTICES IN CHILD REARING
Furthermore, according to Asztalos (2023), Breastfeeding is the best way to give infants the nutrition they need for healthy growth and development. Babies’ natural initial food source is breast milk, which gives them all the energy and nutrients they require for the first six months of life (World Health Organization, 2022).
Indeed, breast milk is easier for a baby’s immature or growing stomach and intestines to digest and contains components that naturally soothe babies. It provides infants with necessary nutrition, supports the growth of their immune systems, and contains the perfect proportion of fat, sugar, water, protein, and vitamins.
Exclusive breastfeeding, which involves feeding an infant only breast milk without any additional food or drink, has been widely recommended by international health organizations as the optimal feeding method for infants up to six months of age. On the other hand, bottle feeding, which involves using infant formula or other liquids in a bottle, is a common alternative to breastfeeding in many parts of the world, including Nigeria.
Exclusive breastfeeding refers to the practice of feeding an infant only breast milk without any additional food or drink, including water, for the first six months of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding as the optimal way to feed infants during this period due to its numerous health benefits. These benefits include providing essential nutrients and antibodies that protect against common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia.
Additionally, exclusive breastfeeding promotes bonding between the mother and infant while contributing to the overall health and well-being of both.
In contrast, bottle feeding involves the use of infant formula or other liquids fed to infants using bottles. While bottle feeding may be necessary in certain situations where breastfeeding is not possible or contraindicated, it is associated with potential risks such as increased susceptibility to infections, improper preparation leading to contamination, and reduced maternal-infant bonding. A comparative study of the effect of exclusive breastfeeding and bottle feeding practices in child rearing.
In Nigeria, as in many developing countries, access to clean water and proper sanitation for preparing infant formula can be limited in some communities, further complicating the practice of bottle feeding.
As infants develop and become more active through the first six months of life, breastmilk is unable to meet all their nutritional requirements. This gap continues to widen as babies and young children age (Caroli, Vania, Tomaselli, Scotese, Tezza, Verga, Di Mauro, Antignani, Miniello and Bergamini, 2021). To close these gaps, complementary feeding is essential. Dietary diversity, meal frequency, and timely introduction of extra food constitute good complementary feeding (Taha and Garemo, 2020). Infants should be actively fed by their caregivers, who should actively encourage eating and pay attention to the child’s hunger signs.
Complementary feeding should be timely, adequate, and safe, and the child should be properly fed. However, timely means that it should be introduced when the baby’s need for energy and nutrients surpasses what can be met through exclusive breastfeeding. Thus, adequate means that children get enough energy, protein, and micronutrients to meet the nutritional needs for development.
Specifically, safe foods are those that are prepared and stored hygienically, and are fed with clean hands using clean utensils. In addition, properly fed implies that the food is provided in accordance with a child’s signals of hunger and fullness and with age-appropriate meal frequency and feeding (Asztalos, 2023). Therefore, this study aimed on a comparative study of the effect of exclusive breastfeeding and bottle feeding practices in child rearing in Etinan Local Government Area.
1.2Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Statement of the Problem
It has been observed that, exclusive breastfeeding and bottle feeding practices are two distinct methods of providing nourishment to infants, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The effect of these feeding practices on child rearing is a topic of significant interest and concern among parents, healthcare professionals, and researchers. This statement of the problem will explore the impact of exclusive breastfeeding and bottle feeding on various aspects of child development, health, and well-being.
One key aspect to consider is the nutritional value provided by each feeding method. Exclusive breastfeeding, which involves feeding an infant only breast milk for the first six months of life without any additional food or drink, is widely recognized for its numerous health benefits. Breast milk contains essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that support the infant’s immune system, promote healthy growth and development, and reduce the risk of certain illnesses and infections. On the other hand, bottle feeding typically involves the use of infant formula or expressed breast milk in a bottle. While infant formula is designed to mimic the nutritional composition of breast milk, it may not provide the same level of immune protection and other bioactive components found in breast milk.
Another important consideration is the bonding and emotional connection between the infant and the caregiver. Exclusive breastfeeding often fosters a strong bond between the mother and her infant through skin-to-skin contact, eye contact, and close physical proximity during feeding sessions. Thus, this intimate interaction can contribute to secure attachment and emotional well-being in the infant.
In contrast, bottle feeding may involve multiple caregivers and reduce the opportunity for this close bonding experience.
Furthermore, the impact of exclusive breastfeeding and bottle feeding on maternal health should be examined. Exclusive breastfeeding has been associated with various health benefits for mothers, including faster postpartum weight loss, reduced risk of certain cancers (such as breast and ovarian cancer), and improved emotional well-being due to the release of oxytocin during breastfeeding. Conversely, mothers who choose to exclusively bottle feed may experience different physical and emotional effects. A comparative study of the effect of exclusive breastfeeding and bottle feeding practices in child rearing.
Moreover, examining the effect of exclusive breastfeeding and bottle feeding practices in child rearing encompasses a broad range of considerations related to nutrition, bonding, maternal health, societal influences, and long-term health outcomes for children. By delving into these complex factors, we can gain a deeper understanding of how these feeding practices shape early childhood development.
Therefore, this study aimed on a comparative study of the effect of exclusive breastfeeding and bottle feeding practices in child rearing in Etinan Local Government Area
Significance of the Study
This study will of significant in the following ways:
- This study will be an eye opener on the comparison between these two feeding practices. Also, its implications for infant nutrition, immunity, cognitive development, and long-term health outcomes.
- This study will enlighten the society on the cultural beliefs, family dynamics, workplace policies, and marketing influences that can significantly impact a mother’s decision to exclusively breastfeed or use bottle feeding.
- A comparative study of the effect of exclusive breastfeeding and bottle feeding practices in child rearing
- This study will contribute to the development of targeted interventions and policies aimed at promoting breastfeeding as the optimal choice for infant nutrition
- This study will also providing support for mothers who may opt for bottle feeding due to various reasons.
- This study will contributes to evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and families to support the best possible start in life for all children.
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