Contribution of Nurses to Overcoming Pain and Distress from Breastfeeding - Essay Example

Contribution of Nurses to Overcoming Pain and Distress from Breastfeeding Contribution of Nurses to Overcoming Pain and Distress from Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is an important aspect that serves to supply the baby with nutrients. However, research has revealed that it brings about insurmountable pressure to some mothers. However, the process of initiating breastfeeding presents numerous challenges for the mother. Failure to breastfeed has become so common because of the attitude of women towards breastfeeding. An advanced search through the EBSCO website provided highlights on the factors that hinder women from initiating breastfeeding and doing it on a regular basis. Through the analysis of five articles, it becomes evident that the discomfort resulting from breast engorgement in the initial days of the breastfeeding process can discourage the mother from an advanced breastfeeding pattern. This paper will analyze the options some of these mothers take to get relief from the pain and discomfort. The research question in this case was to analyze whether nurses could contribute towards decreasing the pain experienced by mothers during lactation. More specifically, the research sought to determine whether nurses could help mothers get over the anxieties and pain brought about by engorgement. The search for resources targeted articles that elaborate on the ways in which nurses can increase the desire for mothers to overcome initial breastfeeding challenges and adopt a regular breastfeeding pattern. The Search Process The EBSCO database proved to be a reliable source because it provides a wide range of resources. However, it was essential to customize the advanced search settings in order to get access to the most relevant range of articles. Therefore, limits for results included full text research articles, peer reviewed and from journals. Moreover, other limits included customizing the geographical setting to United States of America and limiting the search to articles dated 2007 to 2012. The search words were ‘challenges in initiating breastfeeding’. On narrowing down, the search considered articles that discuss the provision of support to mothers by nurses. Out of the numerous articles, this essay depended on five of the most relevant. The results portrayed 118 articles. How Engorgement and Other Pains Result In the first few days after birth when the baby begins to breastfeed, the milk may not flow easily. In this initial phase of the breastfeeding process, colostrum flows out to supply the baby with both nutritional and immunological components. However, its flow presents irregularities. At first, the mother may not succeed to feed the baby despite her efforts. However, with time the milk may flow to the breast in large amounts. The sudden inflow may cause the breast to swell and become tender. For many mothers, the breastfeeding experience ranging from the anxieties to the pain of engorgement may prove unbearable. Strong highlights that the pain of engorgement may extend for the initial six days under normal cases, but pain occurring beyond the first week of breastfeeding has other causes. Many authors mention breastfeeding as an important aspect for both the mother and newborn baby. However, mothers face numerous anxieties towards breastfeeding. According to some authors, nurses fail to offer adequate support to the mother immediately after birth. Mulder and Johnson (2010) discuss the reasons why some mothers find it difficult to breastfeed. While some mothers have a pre-formed attitude that they cannot provide enough for the baby, others cannot tolerate the pain in the nipple or the entire breast during breastfeeding. There are many physical changes associated with lactation. The nipples may become sore and in other women, the entire breast hardens and swells with the flow of milk leading to breast engorgement. Sore nipples result from the struggle of a baby to get a firm grip on the breast tissue in cases of engorgement. Results from the study revealed that the physical changes occurring during initial stages of breastfeeding determined whether a mother adopted regular breastfeeding pattern or opted for nutritional formulas for the baby. However, breast engorgement has forced some mothers to opt for the use of pump technology. Although once considered a luxury, the pump technology is proving to be a useful necessity. For mothers trying to deal with the discomfort that comes with breastfeeding, the use of pumps is becoming a common practice. The occurrence of engorgement can cause distress to the mother and lead to the loss of interest in breastfeeding. Instead of turning to formulas, some mothers have realized that the use of pumps could reduce the chances of swelling. Buckley (2009) explores the factors that persuade mothers to use pumps. For some mothers, the pump presents them with a high level of control of the outflow of milk, and can serve as a solution to engorgement. For some mothers, the increased flow of milk into the breast, a factor that changes the physical appearance of the breast may overwhelm them and cause distress. Although the pump may pose demerits in the feeding of the baby, such mothers face the compulsion to gain control over the process and get relief from the pain. According to Martucci (2012), the entire procedure of initiating breastfeeding can be a lot easier if nurses present the mothers with relevant information on breastfeeding. The article highlights that the perspective that the mother nurtures about motherhood will affect her willingness to bear with the challenges of breastfeeding. However, the article mentions the criticality of the role of nurses in imparting the relevant knowledge about breastfeeding challenges. The nurses should also offer the necessary encouragement to the mothers to ensure they overcome any breastfeeding challenges. In order for nurses to play that role effectively, they need to establish good relationships with the mothers. Through this relationship, they can get the opportunity of inculcating relevant knowledge that could shape the attitude of the mother towards breastfeeding. According to Strong (2011), the contribution of nurses is critical in helping mothers cope with the challenges of initiating breastfeeding. This article defines the contribution of nurses as essential support that encourages them to breastfeed. The article describes engorgement, mastitis and other causes of pain that may distress a mother in the initial stages. However, the author outlines how the support from nurses may prove effective in helping mothers get over the pain. The support from nurses comprises both encouragement and medical support. Reassuring mothers that they can overcome the challenges involved in breastfeeding can keep them motivated. Moreover, it prepares them psychologically for the anticipated challenges. Therefore, it is important for the nurses to inform them of the challenges prior to the experience. Such support will serve to diminish the anxieties. It is important for nurses to be proactive and make initial steps in preparing mothers for the setbacks in breastfeeding. The pain that results from engorgement and other causes affects the mother psychosocially. Therefore, adequate preparation can give the mother hope beyond the challenges. Phillip (2011) ascertained that the type of support that mothers receive determines how they cope with the challenges of breastfeeding. He highlights examples of mothers who went through the pain that results from engorgement in their breastfeeding initial period but with relevant support, they managed to overcome. Some mothers describe the perception they had towards the entire process. They describe the distress, despair, nipple soreness, and engorgement that they suffered as they tried breastfeeding for the first time. For those who received sufficient support, they were able to overcome the initial challenges and adopted the exclusive breastfeeding habit in the initial months. On the other side, lack of sufficient support only made some mothers overwhelmed by the entire process and they have up making any breastfeeding attempts. As the author highlights, breastfeeding is a process that needs learning. For most of the new mothers, the experience proves contrary to their expectations. The interviews carried out by the author serve to emphasize the role that nurses can play in preparing mothers for the procedure and helping them overcome the pressure that comes with the challenge. It is evident that initiation of breastfeeding brings about its challenges. In addition to the anxieties that come with motherhood and frustration of failed breastfeeding attempts, there are cases of pain resulting from engorgement, mastitis and other causes. The pain may become unbearable for the mother and she needs support to overcome the anticipated challenges. The nurse plays a critical role in helping the new mothers overcome the pain and distress experienced in the initial stages of breastfeeding. References Buckley, K. (2009). A double-edged sword: lactation consultants perceptions of the impact of breast pumps on the practice of breastfeeding. Journal Of Perinatal Education, 18(2), 13-22. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1624/105812409X426297 Martucci. J. (2012). Maternal expectations: new mothers, nurses, and breastfeeding. Nursing History Review, 2072-102. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/1062-8061.20.72 Mulder, P., & Johnson, T. (2010). The Beginning Breastfeeding Survey: measuring mothers perceptions of breastfeeding effectiveness during the postpartum hospitalization. Research In Nursing & Health, 33(4), 329-344. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/nur.20384 Phillips, K. F. (2011). First-Time Breastfeeding Mothers: Perceptions and Lived Experiences with Breastfeeding. International Journal Of Childbirth Education, 26(3), 17-20. Strong, G. D. (2011). Provider Management and Support for Breastfeeding Pain. JOGNN: Journal Of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 40(6), 753-764. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1552-6909.2011.01303.x Read More