Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Bachelor in Science in Midwifery Honours Degree programme

MW2205 -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

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
(2001: 27), -it is the right of every mother to make an informed choice about how she wishes to feed her
baby'.

Essential Reading

An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann. (2015) Practice Standards for Midwives. Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann, Dublin.
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.
Food Safety Authority (2010) Bottle Feeding your Baby: A Guide for Parents who have made an
Informed Decision to bottle Feed their Baby. http://www.indi.ie/docs/1620_Guide_to_Bottle_Feeding_(1).pdf
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. & 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. & 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.