Question 2
Why might some health care providers have a difficult time advising parents regarding proper infant feeding practices and the age at which weaning should occur?
posted by Anna @ 8:08 AM
14 comments
ISU Dietetic Internship Journal Club
Objective: To become familiar with current scientific literature on a variety of nutrition topics and to gain experience in gathering, organizing, critically evaluating, presenting and facilitating group discussion of the literature and the implications to practice.
14 Comments:
Health care providers may have a difficult time advising parents because child-rearing can be a very personal, individualistic, and sensitive subject. Every parent has his/her own idea of what proper infant feeding practices are (despite weather those practices are supported by science or research), and therefore, may take offense to a medical professional stepping over the line by pushing a certain feeding practice, or in other words 'telling them how to raise THEIR children.'
Although medical providers are usually the experts and should always give the correct suggestions, like Jenn said, raising a child is a very private matter in which the mother will do what she feels is best for her child. In some cases, the health care provider may not even see the new mom for enough time to give her some education about early weaning. Especially if the new mom did not receive prenatal care, they can deliver a baby and leave the hospital in a day, not giving the health care provider the opportunity to get to know the new mom and then give her advice. In the future, if the baby comes in for a regular checkup and is growing okay and has no major medical issues, the doctor may see no need to tell the mom about early weaning since the baby seems to be doing fine.
Parents are ultimately the ones in charge of their child's health, and some don't want to be "told" how to do anything. It can be difficult for health care providers to advise parents who have the "know-it-all" type attitudes towards parenting. Although new research is continually coming out on feeding practices for children, many people are hesitant to pay close attention to it because they feel that if what they have been doing or what their family has done in the past is working, then there is no reason to mess with it. In addition, parents may take advice as criticism on their parenting styles or skills. Health care providers must be cautious in their approach of these topics as well as respectful to the parents' reactions and feelings in order to help ensure their advice is best accepted.
This topic is so touchy for many individuals. I think with health care providers all having different expereinces, educational backgrounds, and overall differing oppions it is hard to say what a set age should be for weaning. Each child and family has a different history and should all be treated very individually. Not all health care providers stay up to date with all the latest research and in addition to that not all health care workers believe what they research might say. This can/will lead to differin oppionions among health care staff in all arenas (especially those concerning children). It is important that a family not only listens to their healthcare provider but that they also do research on their own when making important health decisions. It is imparative that we as individuals not rely on others to watch out for our best interests.
Jen and Hink,
I agree that when it comes to advising a parent how to do things it can be a very sensitive and touchy subject. It is important to remember however, that even though we as healthcare providers do not want to anger a parent it is our job to look out for the best interest of the patient/client and that would be the child. I think it is important that the subject be addressed, but not forced.
Shelby,
I agree that it is very important for the parents to do research on their own to find out about health care issues in their families. I think that would make them take more ownership and put more weight on the current research. This way, it is not someone (the healthcare provider) telling them what to do. However, this brings us back to the issue of making sure that people who are researching on their own are finding reliable and accurate sources. This would be a perfect place for that healthcare provider to step in and either confirm the client's research or make other recommendations. Great point!
I agree with everyone 100% in that child-rearing can be a very personal subject matter. Providing parents with the most current/up-to-date research on early infant feeding practices may be effective; however, as Shelby mentioned, maybe it would be a good idea to also provide these parents with reliable sources so that they can conduct their own research.
I totally agree that giving parental advice can be a difficult subject to master. Many people are touchy about recieving advice about their children which makes it harder for the professional to approach the subject. Because of this, many practitioners may choose to not mention early weaning if the child is growing normally. Another reason that may make weaning more difficult is if the child has complex medical conditions. The condition that the child is in can affect their tolerance of certain foods and when the weaning process should occur. Because of other medical issues, the professional may have a difficult time deciding what is appropriate for that child.
Raising children is one of those things that has so many ideas passed down from previous generations, even with the medical profession. Its hard sometimes to argue with "my mom and grandma did this and they had no problems." When going against these type of situations, health care providers can have a difficult time getting in the recommendations.
I completely agree with you, Jenn, that people don't like to hear how to raise their children from others even if its medical professionals with science to back them up. Its like talking to a brick wall at times.
Shelby and Steph,
Researching on their own is great, but like you said they have to be able to know where to look for valid information. Although this teaches parents to be independent, it also bothers me that professionals in the field sometimes do not stay up to date on current research. It is their job to give answers, not tell their patients to look it up on their own. This just makes me as a dietitian want to stay as up to date as possible so I can always give the best answer, not necessarily just my opinion.
I believe that health care providers have a difficult time advising parents on what proper infant feeding practices are because not all organizations and health care professionals have supported the idea of delaying weaning until 6 months as opposed to 4 to 6 months. When there are two qualified people in the same area of healthcare giving different recommendations on the same topic, it can be very difficult deciding which advice should be followed.
Shelby -
You are exactly right. It is not an option to rely solely on one health care professional for medical advice. There is a lot of different information out there, and people have to take responsibility for themselves.
I agree with you all - there are very definitely long-standing traditions and understandings held by so many families, plus sometimes an attitude of "I (or my Mom) knows best" that it can be hard for a professional to insert themselves and be heard.
I think there's another really big reason that health care providers aren't being heard and that is because they aren't being seen - at least by the populations that really, seriously need to see them. Lower SES families and those with less education may not know to seek out prenatal care and/or they may be prevented from going because they lack insurance, etc. Prenatal care is the best time to give feeding and weaning education so that families can think about it and plan, but if a mother is not getting prenatal care at all, then by the time she takes her infant in to see a pediatrician (for shots, etc.) she has already established feeding patterns she is comfortable with and may be reluctant to change them.
Don't forget, too, that the companies that make formula market their products directly to moms while they are still pregnant. I had formula products sent to me in the mail (unasked-for!) when I was pregnant. Still don't know how they got my name, but the point is they DO get new moms' names and they market relentlessly. It's hard to market breastfeeding aggressively, on the other hand....I think (sadly) that many new moms choose to use formula exclusively because of the pretty packaging and "compassion" the formula manufacturers claim they feel for you. A disclaimer here - I totally failed at breastfeeding my oldest! It was an absolute nightmare. He was not interested in the breast at all and I spent 3 weeks in an absolute panic that he was going to die because he wouldn't eat. As soon as the pediatrician and I made the decision to try formula, he began to eat! Why? Only God knows! So, while I completely believe that breast is best, you can never be sure what situation you are going to find yourself in. In this case, thank heavens for formula!
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