Overview

• Composition of breastmilk; nutritional and immunological properties
• Exploration of the evidence base regarding the importance of providing human milk for human babies
• Review of maternal and newborn physiology
• The importance of supporting parents to develop close loving relationships with their baby
• Mode of birth and breastfeeding outcomes
• Undertaking a breastfeeding assessment
• Review of common breastfeeding problems and management
• Exploration of maternal and fetal conditions that may impact on breastfeeding success
• Women’s experiences of breastfeeding
• Breastfeeding and maternal mental health
• The international code of breast milk substitutes
• Managing complex breastfeeding situations; techniques and equipment
• Reflection on practice.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Threshold Basic understanding of the facts and principles specific to the topics covered in this module. Basic understanding of professional accountability issues. Students will be required to achieve a minimum of C- grade in the assignment to in order to pass the theory component of the module.

-good -Good Good understanding of the facts and principles specific to the topics covered in this module. Good understanding of professional accountability issues. This equates to a minimum mark of Grade B- in the Grading Criteria.

-excellent -Excellent Very good understanding of the facts and principles specific to the topics covered in this module and evidence of additional evidence gained by the student. Very good understanding of professional accountability issues. This equates to a minimum mark of Grade A- in the Grading Criteria

Learning Outcomes

• Critically examine and demonstrate knowledge in relation to the clinical management of breastfeeding issues in order to optimise breastfeeding.

• Critically examine and demonstrate in-depth knowledge of physiological and psychosocial barriers and facilitators in relation to the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding and human lactation.

• Critically examine and demonstrate in-depth understanding of the public health implications for breastfeeding and human lactation.

• Through critical reflection on practice, develop the ability to effectively support women to optimise breastfeeding, despite challenging circumstances.