Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/39925
Title: Ethical considerations in breastfeeding promotion
Authors: Bugeja, Marie-Louise
Keywords: Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding promotion
Allied health personnel
Maternal health services
Issue Date: 2018
Citation: Bugeja, M.-L. (2018). Ethical considerations in breastfeeding promotion (Master's dissertation).
Abstract: Breastfeeding is a practice that is highly recommended by many acclaimed international sources for the multitude of infant health benefits, as well as for maternal and economic benefits. Promotion of this has vastly increased, and hospitals have become, or are striving to become, breastfeeding friendly. Many mothers are greatly motivated to breastfeed and intention is high, yet breastfeeding rates remain low. While initiation rates are promising, yet these rates dwindle, with discouraging figures for sustained and exclusive breastfeeding, well below those proposed by WHO and other international organisations. Efforts have increased worldwide to reverse this let-down, and many countries have reviewed policies, amended guidelines or introduced new ones. Many policies acknowledge that the decision to breastfeed and the ability to carry this out successfully depend on a series of complex factors, and that the wider community needs to welcome and support breastfeeding. Promotion of breastfeeding through education must also be ethical and must respect the mother’s dignity, increasing her self-worth and self-efficacy, diminishing feelings of guilt and concern over the need to be a ‘good’ mother. Education is a vital tool in this regard. However, education is not just essential for the mother, but for health professionals and for the whole of society. In addition, education must not only focus on the benefits of breastfeeding, but needs to address personal, cultural, moral and structural constraints.
Description: M.A.BIOETHICS
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/39925
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacThe - 2018

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