Skip to main content

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Menu Search

School of Nursing & Midwifery

MW7007 Lactation and Infant Feeding (5 ECTS)

 

Learning Outcomes

Following completion of this module the student should be able to:

  • Highlight an understanding of the benefits of breastfeeding and its implications for the health of women and babies;
  • Display an insight into the effects of psychological, social and cultural factors on breastfeeding and its practice;
  • Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the physiology of lactation and be able to apply this in practice situations;
  • Demonstrate an ability to support women in initiating, establishing and maintaining breastfeeding;
  • Recognise the complications, which may be associated with breastfeeding, how these arise and how women may be supported to overcome them;
  • Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of WHO / UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative best practice standards 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding;
  • Provide women and their partners with accurate, evidence-based information about activities, which may have an impact on breastfeeding;
  • Implement the Baby Friendly Initiative best practice standards with appropriate support;
  • Support the needs of women who have made the informed choice not to breastfeed.

Module Learning Aims & Rationale

This module recognises the role of the midwife in the promotion of breastfeeding and is underpinned by
the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF)
international `Baby Friendly Initiative' with its aim to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. It will
also set breastfeeding within its global and national context to include historical, anthropological, socioeconomic
and political perspectives. This module will also explore the information and support offered to
women who make an informed choice not to breastfeed their baby. As highlighted by An Bord Altranais:
-it is the right of every mother to make an informed choice about how she wishes to feed her baby'. (An
Bord Altranais, 2001: 27)

Recommended Reading List

Indicative Resources

  • La Leche League (2003) The Breastfeeding Answer Book. La Leche League, Nottingham.
  • Royal College of Midwives (2002) Successful Breastfeeding, 3rd edn. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.

Additional Reading

  • Carter P. (1995) Feminism, Breasts and Breastfeeding. Macmillian, Basingstoke.
  • Decan C. (2002) Breastfeeding for Beginners. National Childbirth Trust, Thornsons, London.
  • Dykes F. (2006) Breastfeeding in Hospital: Mothers, Midwives and the Production Line. Routledge, London.
  • Henschel D. and Inch S. (2002) Breastfeeding: A Guide for Midwives. Books for Midwives, Oxford.
  • La Leche League International (2010) The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, 8th edn. La Leche League International, USA.
  • Newman J. and Pitman T. (2006) The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers. Three Rivers Press, New York.
  • Palmer G. (2009) The Politics of Breastfeeding: When Breasts are Bad for Business, 3rd edn. Pinter and Martin Ltd, London.
  • Pollard M. (2011*) Evidence-based Care for Breastfeeding Mothers. A Guide for Midwives. Routledge, London.
  • Riordan J. and Wamback K. (eds.) (2009) Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, 4th edn. Jones and Bartlet, Massachusetts.
  • Smith L.J. (2010) Impact of Birthing Practices on Breastfeeding, 2nd edn. Jones and Bartlett Publishers Massachusetts
  • WHO (2007) Guidelines for the Safe Preparation, Storage and Handling of Powered Infant Formula. www.who.int
  • WHO UNICEF (2009) Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. WHO UNICEF Well Start International.


* Additional readings will be given for each unit of learning.