In preterm infants, what is the effect of human breast milk, donated or otherwise, on overall growth compared to formula of any type within the first five years
In preterm infants, what is the effect of human breast milk, donated or otherwise, on overall growth compared to formula of any type within the first five years
1. Introduction
1.2 Research problem
The debate of whether infant formula or breast milk is the best for the growth of children is still an ongoing. The issue is compounded by deteriorating economic times where mothers spend minimal times with their children due to job requirements. The aspect has been brought about by harsh economic times, coupled by emerging social and economic trends where women are seen having equal job opportunities as men. As such, they are tasked with the same job requirements as their male counterparts. Very few firms give enough time for maternal leaves to mothers in order to allow them to breastfeed their babies for the usually recommended time, which is a period of approximately 6 months.
The aspect has required mothers to turn to the option of giving their babies infant formula as a substitution for breast milk so that they can be able to go to work. The underlying implication is that the substitution allows them to leave the child with a nanny (Michaelsen, 2015). There is a need to delve into the allegations and discern if they have any weight. The research should also strive to determine what is best for the growth of children during their first five years of life. This research will endeavors to answer this question in order to give parents an informed choice about whether to adopt breastfeeding or infant formula for their children. It looks into the pros and cons for both breast milk and infant formula regarding the growth of children by comparing the two options and identifying the best preference for efficient child growth.
1.2 Independent and dependent variables Definition of terms
The dependent variable for the study is the overall growth of a child within the first five years. The independent variables are human milk and infant formula. These variables are alleged to affect the growth of a child within the first five years after birth: although in different ways.
1.3 Assumptions, hypothesis, or questions
What are the pros and cons of human milk for child growth?
What are the factors influencing the feeding option of parents?
What is the comparison between human milk and formula for child growth?
Assumptions
The study will assume that the respondents will divulge straight and accurate information concerning breastfeeding practices. Other required information includes the extent to which different factors influence infant feeding options. Lastly, the outcomes of the infant feeding options used in terms of child growth within the first five years will be required.
1.3 Theoretical Framework
Figure 1: A conceptual framework for understanding the pros and cons of both breast milk and formula and how they affect the infant feeding decisions of mothers.
1.4 Description of the Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework presents the tenets of both breast milk and formula for growth. Additionally, it highlights how they affect the decisions made by mothers on whether to breastfeed or to formula feed their children. It is realized that those who perceive breastfeeding as having more advantages for the growth of the baby and formula feeding as having more disadvantages will choose to breastfeed. . On the other hand, those who perceive formula feeding as having more advantages for the growth of the baby and breastfeeding having more disadvantages will choose formula feeding.
1.5 Identification of the Concepts
The concepts to be explored will include pros and cons of breastfeeding and pros and cons of formula feeding. Evidence discussing the same will be gathered from both existing literature and primary research.
1.6 Rationale for choosing framework
The framework’s relevance is enshrined in its ability to arrive at the best choice for mothers. It provides an avenue to study the prevailing factors and their individual influence. The aspect of choice feeding for infants has been of concern around the world.
2. Review of the Literature
Many health organizations, including the American Dietetic Association, Life Research Organization, Department of Health and Human Services, and World Health Organization have all endorsed breastfeeding as the most appropriate infant feeding option especially during the first years of their lives (Abayomi, 2005). Other organizations in support include Canadian Pediatric Society, Health Canada, Institute of Medicine, and the American Academy of Family Physicians the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Despite these endorsements, there are still a significant number of mothers who practice formula feeding during infant’s early years. For instance, in America, a majority proportion of infants are fed formula substitutes of human milk just after they have reached 6 months of age (Michaelsen, 2015). Although it is widely understood that infant formulas are inferior to human milk many respects, they have the benefits of promoting proper growth and development of infants and providing nutritional balance than cow milk, which is sold commercially. The Academy of Pediatrics recommended that mother who is not breastfeeding their infants should give them infant formulas that are iron-fortified rather than goat or cow milk (AAP, 1997).
Infants who have been breastfed exhibit variant growth characteristics from those who have been formula fed. A Study by Heinig et al. (1993) reveals that they grow at varying rates and have varying body composition. Similarly, Singhal et al. (2002) reveal that infants who are breastfed have a lower risk of getting obesity later in life when compared to those who are formula fed. Infants that are breastfed are seen to absorb fat much better than those who are formula fed because of the presence of lipases in breast milk which are not present in infant formulas. During the first months after birth, a breastfed infant usually consumes less milk of an approximated 85 kcal/kg body weight/day than formula fed infants who consume approximately 100 kcal/kg/day.
Infants who are breastfed continue to consume about 10 less kcal/kg/body weight calories than those who are formula-fed (Cristofalo et al., 2013). Manufacturers of infant formula are usually adding new ingredients to these formulas in an attempt to mimic the composition of breast milk. Nevertheless, the addition of these ingredients is perceived by many as a source of danger for the growth of children during their first five years (Li, Fein & Grummer-Strawn, 2010). Because of the increased interest in the impact of early infant nutrition on metabolic set points why may have an effect on the infant’s risk for adult diseases in, and the increased incidence of obesity, type II diabetes in teenagers and early insulin resistance, there is need to concentrate more research on whether breastfeeding is protective in the future.
3.1 Description of Study Type
The research study for this proposal will be quantitative research study. The study will utilize data collection using data using structured questionnaires (Nieswiadomy, 2011). Existing secondary data will be utilized to complement the study.
3.2 Description of Study Design
The research design adopted for the study will be a survey design. The approach is descriptive in nature. Particularly, it will be a statistical survey undertaken to make statistical inferences about breastfeeding mothers. It will depend on the questions contained in the questionnaire strongly (Christensen, Johnson & Turner, 2011).
Rationale for the use of the selected design
The survey research design will be used as it is easy to administer. In addition, it is cost-effective and allows for the collection of data from a larger number of respondents (Fowler, 2013).
3.3 Sampling, Data Collection Method, and Data Collection Process
Stratified sampling technique, which is a type of systematic sampling methods, will be used in the study. The choice will aid in the elimination of bias that is highly associated with simple random sampling methods. Data will be collected using structured questionnaires with both closed-ended and open-ended questions each with multiple choices requiring the respondent to choose one answer from the choices. Questionnaires will be issued to breastfeeding mothers after they have signed the consent form and then collected after completion (Rossi, Wright & Anderson).
3.4 Method for Protection of Human Subject
Since this will be a primary research, the ethical considerations to be observed will include explaining to the respondents what the research entails. Divulging the information will aid to discern to the respondent sufficient information to allow them make an informed decision on participating in the study. The respondents will also be required to sign a consent form to ensure before their participation and the personal information of the respondents will be kept confidential (Nardi, 2015).
3.5 Data Analysis Approaches
The data collected will be analyzed using techniques such as the development of charts and tables to enable identification of and understanding of comparisons of research variables. Microsoft Excel program, completed by SPSS software, will be used to facilitate easy construction of these charts and tables (Christensen, Johnson & Turner, 2011).
References
AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). (1997). Breast feeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics 100:1035– 1039.
Abayomi, J. (2005). Infant formula–evaluating the safety of new ingredients. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 18(3), 226-226.
Christensen, L. B., Johnson, B., & Turner, L. A. (2011). Research methods, design, and analysis (pp. 1-539). Allyn & Bacon.
Cristofalo, E. A., Schanler, R. J., Blanco, C. L., Sullivan, S., Trawoeger, R., Kiechl-Kohlendorfer, U., & Abrams, S. (2013). Randomized trial of exclusive human milk versus preterm formula diets in extremely premature infants. The Journal of pediatrics, 163(6), 1592-1595.
Fowler Jr, F. J. (2013). Survey research methods. Sage publications.
Heinig, M. J., Nommsen, L. A., Peerson, J. M, Lonnerdal, B, & Dewey, K. G. (1993).Energy and protein intakes of breast-fed and formula-fed infants during the first year of life and their association with growth velocity: The DARLING Study. Am J Clin Nutr 58:152–161
Li, R., Fein, S. B., & Grummer-Strawn, L. M. (2010). Do infants fed from bottles lack self-regulation of milk intake compared with directly breastfed infants?. Pediatrics, 125(6), e1386-e1393.
Michaelsen, K. F. (2015). 1.1 Child Growth (Vol. 113, pp. 1-5). Los Angeles. Karger Publishers.
Nardi, P. M. (2015). Doing survey research. Routledge.
Nieswiadomy, R. M. (2011). Foundations in nursing research. Pearson Higher Ed.
Rossi, P. H., Wright, J. D., & Anderson, A. B. (Eds.). (2013). Handbook of survey research. Academic Press.
Singhal, A., Farooqi, I. S., O'Rahilly, S., Cole, T. J., Fewtrell, M. & Lucas, A. (2002).Early nutrition and leptin concentrations in later life. Am J Clin Nutr75:993–999.
