Running head: BREASTFEEDING WORKSHOP
© 2016, Carolyn Mask-Oats
Workshop Plan— Breastfeeding: The Baby, the Benefits, and You
Carolyn Mask-Oats
Texas Woman’s University
04 August 2016
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Workshop Plan— Breastfeeding: The Baby, the Benefits, and You
Population Addressed
Chronologically speaking, ideal parenting practices change as medical, social, and
psychological research becomes more prevalent and available. In saying so, one dynamic of
parenting that has changed over the past 60 years (Feldman, 2012) is the provision of breastmilk
(over formula) to infants by the biological mother. Alternatively, and more recently indorsed, is
the use of breastmilk by medically screened donors. Having said so, ideals about public
breastfeeding are widening and for this reason, mothers are becoming more open to doing so
(Berns, 2016). New mothers are often met with many concerns with breastfeeding as it relates to
how do so successfully, benefits to themselves and the child, reasons one should not breastfeed,
and whether exclusivity is obligatory. In saying so, breastfeeding can be exceptionally difficult
when either the mother and/or infant feels distressed (Siegler, DeLoache,Eisenberg, & Saffran,
2014) .
It should then be recognized that the aforementioned concerns can be applied to both the
mother and child where stress is cross-communicated. Continued stress over the infant and/or
mother can transpire to the rest of the family which could lead to crises in the overall family
system; this can be best understood under Hanson and Hill’s (1964) ABCx model of family crisis
which explains that the family suffers as a whole when stressors are negatively perceived.
Because so many new mothers are at risk for such stressors, it is best to educate them on what to
expect when breastfeeding which includes understanding the nutritional needs of the infant and
herself. It is also necessary to provide information on lactation consultation if negative stress is
underway. Nevertheless, parents should be educated on both the short and long term physical,
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psychological, and emotional benefits posed for the themselves, the infant, and the overall
parent-child relationship.
Goals of the Workshop
Another facet of the ABCx model, the “b” are the resources available to the family.
Resources and other protective factors have the ability to act as buffers to the impact of stressors
(Binger and Gerhardt, 2015). In saying so, this course is intended to provide parents with
necessary information to successfully breastfeed while promoting the value and advantages of
doing so, address the need for support by a partner and the family overall, help parents to
understand the needs of the infant, and to help create realistic expectations for themselves and
the infant. Having said so, parents should primarily recognize that parenting infants can be
stressful when needs are not responded to effectively and efficiently. This course will help
parents and other family members to understand how to best approach breastfeeding in ways that
promote efficiency and effectiveness which will in turn promote healthy infant and familial
development.
Content
To begin the course, the infant’s innate motor abilities such as rooting and sucking will
be mentioned, which are two reflexes that are assistive in the breastfeeding process. It will then
be explained what these unlearned impulses are and how they help the infant with food intake,
by way of the breast or bottle. Rooting will then be identified as the turning of the check toward
the food source (breast or bottle), followed by an open mouth to find nipple (Sieglman & Rider,
2015). Once the nipple is found successfully, the infant will latch and begin sucking from the
milk source. Following this explanation, parents will be met with the benefits that exclusive or
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alternated breastfeeding can pose to the infant. These benefits include secure attachment and
trust from the infant as well the nutritional and health values that breastfed infants typically
experience.
Nursing offers the infant a natural turbine of short and long-term advantageous properties
for which the they will carry with them. In saying so, providing the infant with skin-to-skin
contact can successfully promote secure attachments with the parent. This contact allows infants
to be more calm and responsive the touch and gaze of their mother (Feldman, 2012).
Subsequently, fathers can work to form similar bonds by using similar contact which also help
the infant securely trust both parents in the same way which can later assist in healthy social
development (Feldman, 2012). In addition to these psychological benefits, parents will also
learn that a number of health benefits are related to breastmilk consumption for the infant. For
example, the nutrient rich milk is specific to the child’s needs provides the antibodies needed in
building and maintaining a strong immune system within the first year of life (Bigner &
Gerhardt, 2015). Other health doles that will be addressed are that breastfeeding can reduce
chances of the child being obese or having diabetes in later life (Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 2016).
After parents have been educated on the benefits delivered to the infant, it will then be
discussed what benefits are posed to the mother and her partner. In this section of the course, the
importance of support for both the mother and infant will also be addressed. As the infant is
assisted with healthy attachment practices, mothers will learn that they too will develop strong
emotional bonds with the infant (Bigner & Gerhardt, 2015). Other research suggests that mothers
are likely to experience less risk for diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases, and breast and
ovarian cancer prior to menopause (Stuebe & Shwartz, 2010; Feldman, 2012). Also,
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breastfeeding in the short term can help the mother to lose the weight gained during pregnancy,
reduce the likelihood of pregnancy as a result of hormonal distribution, and even help to shrink
the uterus following childbirth (Feldman, 2012). Following the mention of these benefits, parents
will also learn the recommended longevity to breastfeed and reasons that breastfeeding should be
avoided.
The primary recommendation is that a mother breastfeed exclusively for the first 4-6
months, especially so for the first month (Bigner & Gerhardt, 2015). Additionally, the child
should continue to be breastfed up to and (if possible) following the twelfth month (Feldman,
2012). It will also be mentioned that an infant should not be removed from breastfeeding or
bottle-feeding abruptly, but should be gradually weaned from doing so. Having said, there are a
number of reasons that a mother should not breastfeed at all or should switch to formula feedings
and in other cases screened, donated breastmilk. These include instances in which the mother has
used legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications (Bigner & Gerhardt, 2015). This is due to the
likelihood of the substance being present in breastmilk which can have adverse effects on the
infant. Similarly, mothers should avoid breastfeeding if they attain infectious diseases such as
HIV that can be contracted by way of bodily fluids (Bigner & Gerhardt, 2015).
It will then be addressed that though some perceived discomforts or inconveniences may
be related to breastfeeding, these are not reasons that one should quit. Parents will learn that
many medically associated personnel such as lactation consultants can be notified of and help to
resolve issues such as engorgement, latching, milk expression, and distress for either mother or
infant. In saying so it will also be mentioned that mothers must have realistic expectations for
themselves and the infant when breastfeeding. For example, mothers will learn that they will
only produce the amount of milk that is needed by the infant. This information will be of use and
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as infants will cry out to let the parent know when they are hungry and spit out or turn away from
the nipple when they have had enough (Siegler, et al., 2014). Having said so, research suggests
that on average, parents should expect an infant to eat every 2-4 hours (Feldman, 2012).
Finally, it will be lectured that these expectations can help mothers in learning to respond
to the infant in an effective manner. For this reason, the mother must have the support of a
partner in responding to the infant effectively and efficiently (Sigelman & Rider, 2015). Fathers
and other family members can best support the mother and infant by understanding the
expectations and working to avoid the possible stressors that can negatively affect either person.
Having said so, fathers would also benefit from taking breastfeeding classes and educating
themselves on what to expect, how they can help, and best ways to be supportive during this
critical time in the child’s life. Family members can be supportive by understanding the
transition to life with an infant education themselves as well. As such, support during this time,
will be identified as a key feature in successfully introducing and maintaining breastfeeding
practices.
Activities
The course will be facilitated in a face-to-face format and will include slide-show based,
narrated videos. These videos and slides will provide participants with the afore mentioned
information. The videos will be aided by the use of a workbook will contain a number of
activities such as a pre-assessment to the course information and a similar post assessment using
the online quiz format kahoot.it. Before completing the activities, the activity booklet will have a
disclaimer to participants that the views on some areas such as the psychological mentions are
associated with westernized parenting practices. This disclaimer will be included because it must
be recognized that participants of other cultures may find that this information does not pertain
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entirely or partially to their experiences or upbringing. The activity booklet will have a section
for each topic to follow along with the narrative in the course videos to allow parents to notate
where they feel necessary. The workbook will also provide additional information and a list of
resources that might prove helpful to those taking the course. Another activity that will be
included in the workbook will be a section for each parent to identify what they know about
breastfeeding followed by a discussion of facts and myths related to breastfeeding. Following the
videos about the benefits offered to parents and infants, the workbook will have a “fill in the
blank” activity for participants to complete.
Succeeding this activity, participants will complete an activity that will help them to
address the benefits that they and other family members have received as a result of bottle or
breastfeeding (Svensson, 2000). The participants will then follow along in their workbooks with
a video that will discuss when and when not to breastfeed. This video will be followed by a
discussion of other facets and cases that the participants might expect to not breastfeed. This will
also allow the course leader to answer questions on other instances that may not have been
mentioned throughout the course. The next activity to be completed in the workbook is a short
journal entry where participants will write if and how they will educate their partners and family
members on what they have learned throughout the course. Finally, the course will end with a
post-assessment. Those who finish and pass the post-assessment will receive a certificate of
completion; those who do not pass will be given an option to re-take the course or go over their
workbooks and reassess shortly after studying.
Participant Evaluation
The evaluation form will be completed following the post-course-assessment. This 16
question form will survey what participants liked and disliked and how satisfied they were with
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the course overall. Subsets of this portion of the evaluation will question what section or sections
were most enjoyable, informative, and clearly understood. Another subset of this portion of the
survey will include a question asking participants to rate the presentation format. In another
section of the evaluation, participants will be asked if they learned any new or useful information
and the likelihood they would recommend the course to others. Additionally, participants will be
questioned about the effectiveness of the workbook content and activities. In this section
participants will also be asked what they would have preferred to learn and if they felt any
information was irrelevant to the topic. Finally, participants will then answer 3 demographically
based questions to include race/ethnicity, relationship to breastfeeding mother, and age. These
demographics will help classroom facilitators to keep track of the average number of participants
and who most and least often will have taken the course.
Resources for Participants
Once the course has been completed, all participants will be given a folder to take home
which will hold their workbooks to be kept for future references if needed. The folder will also
contain pamphlets and information on organizations, a list of breastfeeding-help books,
information regarding hospital programs that use board certified lactation consultants for
supports and course facilitation, and names of computer and cell phone applications that can be
downloaded to help with breastfeeding and sleep schedules, and local breastfeeding support
groups. These resources will provide participants with information that can increase their quality
of parenting and the quality of support by those who do not parent.
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Participant Evaluation Form
Please complete the following survey once you have completed the course entitled
Breastfeeding: The Baby, the Benefits, and You.
1. Please state what you liked best about the course.
2. Please state what you liked least or thought needed improvement.
3. What section(s) did you enjoy most in the course? Please check all that apply.
☐ Benefits to the baby
☐ Benefits to the mother
☐ How long to breastfeed
☐ When mother should not breastfeed
☐ Support by father and other family
4. Which section(s) do you feel were most informative? Please check all that apply.
☐ Benefits to the baby
☐ Benefits to the mother
☐ How long to breastfeed
☐ When mother should not breastfeed
☐ Support by father and other family
5. Which section(s) were most clearly understood? Please check all that apply.
☐ Benefits to the baby
☐ Benefits to the mother
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☐ How long to breastfeed
☐ When mother should not breastfeed
☐ Support by father and other family
6. How satisfied are you with the current presentation format? Please choose from the
droplist below.
Choose an item.
7. Did you learn any new information?
Choose an item.
8. Did you learn any useful information?
Choose an item.
9. Did you feel as if the workbook activities and content were effective? Please explain
why or why not.
Choose an item.
10. How likely would you recommend this course to other new parents or caregivers.
Choose an item.
11. Is there anything that you wanted to learn that was not in this course? If so, please
explain.
12. Is there anything that you feel should not have been a part of this course? If so, please
explain.
13. Do you have any final comments about the course or the activity workbook?
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Please answer the following 3 questions about yourself.
14. What is your race or ethnicity?
Choose an item.
15. Are you breastfeeding? If not, then what is your relationship to someone who is?
Choose an item.
Choose an item.
16. How old are you?
☐ Prefer not to answer.
Thank you for completing this evaluation, it is hoped that you have had an experience that
will assist you and your loved ones in the near and late future.
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Resource Folder Content List
Organizations and agencies who provide breastfeeding information, research and tips
La Leche League International
Website: http://www.llli.org/
Office of Women’s Health, Department of Health and Human Services
Website: -http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/finding-breastfeeding-support.html
Helpline: 800-994-9962
Texas Women, Infants, and Children’s Program (W.I.C.)
Website: http://www.texaswic.org
Toll Free: 800-942-3678
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Website: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/
Breastfeeding Help Books
Breastfeeding with Confidence
by Sue Cox
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers: The Most Comprehensive Problem-Solving
Guide to Breastfeeding From the Foremost Expert in North America
by Jack Newman, M.D. and Teresa Pitman
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
by Dianne Wiessinger, Diana West, and Teresa Pitman
Work. Pump. Repeat.: The New Mom’s Survival Guide to Breastfeeding and Going Back
to Work
By Jessica Shortall
Local Hospitals That with Services by Certified Lactation Consultants/ Registered Nurses
Texas Health Resources (Denton)
Free support group: Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
“The Warm Line” (Telephone breastfeeding support): 940-898-7142
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Denton Regional Medical
Online support and information by M.D.s and Consultants:
http://dentonregional.com/hl/?/101230/Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding support: Texas Ten Step Program; for more information on this program please
visit http://texastenstep.org/
Downloadable Computer, Phone and Tablet Apps
latchME
This free app provides breastfeeding advice on common issues, tips for comfortable
breastfeeding practices, locations with nursing stations, help finding medically screened milk
banks, chat with lactation professionals, and help finding local support groups and is available
Apple and Android.
Total Baby
“Total Baby “provides parents with a number of timers to help set feeding and sleep schedules
for their infants with specific timers for right and left sided nursing, memory for diapers changed
and wet, a diary for memories, milestones, and doctor visits, day-by-day comparisons, and data
iCloud backup. This app does have a free version for Android users and a paid version on for
Apple product users.
Doctors on Demand
This is a free, video-chat based application. Medical professionals require payment for sessions
which vary depending on time. Customers have the option to choose what type of doctor they
want to speak with and these professionals can observe and help guide. Breastfeeding mothers
can choose to speak with certified lactation consultants to observe their practices, and ask
questions regarding any issue. Chats can be made via in-app appointment settings. It is available
for Android and Apple use.
MommyMeds
MommyMeds is a research-based app (by Texas Tech Health Sciences Center professionals) that
holds a list of over-the-counter and prescription medications that breastfeeding mothers can use.
This app also has a “scan bar-code” feature which allows customers to scan their medications
and be notified of whether the medication is tolerable for the breastfed infant. This app is
available for $0.99 for Android users and $3.99 for Apple users.
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References
Berns, R. (2016). Child, family, school, and community: Socialization and support. (10th Ed.).
Stanford, CT: Cengage Learning.
Bigner, J.J., & Gerhardt, C. (2014). Parent-child relations: An introduction to parenting. (9th
Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Breastfeeding. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/
Hansen, D. & Hill, R. (1964). Families under stress. In H. Christensen (Ed.), Handbook of
marriage and the family (pp. 355-375). Chicago: Rand-McNally.
Siegler, R., DeLoache, J., Eisenberg, N., & Saffran, J. (2014). How children develop. (4th Ed.).
Worth Publishing.
Sigelman, C. K., & Rider, E. A. (2015). Life-span Human Development (8th ed.). Stamford, CT:
Cengage Learning.
Stuebe, A., & Shwartz, E. (2010). The risks and benefits of infant feeding practices for women
and their children. Journal of Perinatology, 30(3), 155-162.
Svensson, J. (2000). Breastfeeding and you: A handbook for antenatal educators.
Commonwealth of Australia: Centre for Family Health and Midwifery.