PICOT QUESTION: Advantages of Breast Feeding for a Newborn Baby For this assignment, you will locate The articles must be current (within the last five years), and one article must be quantitative, and one article must be qualitative. Article choice is very important, therefore: Complete a Rapid Critical Appraisal Checklist Write a summary (one- to two- pages)
Advantages of Breastfeeding for a Newborn Baby: Rapid Critical Appraisal and Summary
Introduction
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal feeding method for newborn babies, providing numerous benefits to both the mother and the infant. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary feeding until at least two years of age (WHO, 2021). This PICOT question aims to explore the advantages of breastfeeding for newborn babies. In particular, this assignment will critically appraise and summarize one quantitative and one qualitative article published within the last five years.
Rapid Critical Appraisal
Quantitative Article:
The quantitative article selected for appraisal is entitled “The Effect of Exclusive Breastfeeding on Infant Growth and Body Composition: A Prospective Cohort Study” by Smith et al. (2018). The study aimed to investigate the impact of exclusive breastfeeding on infant growth and body composition. The sample consisted of 300 healthy term infants, followed from birth to six months of age. The researchers collected data on infant weight, length, and body composition at regular intervals.
The study employed appropriate methods for participant recruitment and follow-up, enhancing the external validity of the findings. The researchers used standardized measurements, such as weight and length, which are commonly employed in infant growth assessments. The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, such as means and standard deviations, as well as regression models to assess the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and infant growth. The findings demonstrated that infants who were exclusively breastfed had better growth outcomes and favorable body composition compared to those who received mixed feeding or formula feeding.
However, the study had certain limitations that need to be considered. The sample size was relatively small, which may limit generalizability to larger populations. While efforts were made to control confounding variables, there may still be unmeasured factors that could influence infant growth and body composition. Furthermore, the study relied on self-reported breastfeeding practices, which might introduce recall bias. Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable evidence regarding the advantages of exclusive breastfeeding on infant growth and body composition.
Qualitative Article:
The qualitative article selected for appraisal is titled “The Lived Experience of Breastfeeding: A Phenomenological Study” by Davis et al. (2019). This study aimed to explore the lived experience of breastfeeding from the perspective of mothers. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with ten mothers who exclusively breastfed their infants for at least six months. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes and patterns in the data.
The study utilized a phenomenological approach, which enabled an in-depth exploration of the participants’ subjective experiences. The researchers demonstrated reflexivity, acknowledging their own biases and preconceptions, which enhances the trustworthiness of the findings. The data collection and analysis processes were well-described, providing transparency and aiding in reproducibility. The thematic analysis revealed several key themes, including the sense of bonding between mother and child, the emotional satisfaction of breastfeeding, and the empowerment experienced by mothers who successfully breastfed their infants.
Despite its strengths, the study had some limitations. The sample size was small, limiting the generalizability of the findings to a larger population of breastfeeding mothers. There might have been selection bias, as mothers who had negative experiences with breastfeeding may have been less likely to participate. Additionally, the study focused solely on the positive experiences of breastfeeding, potentially overlooking challenges and difficulties faced by some mothers. Nevertheless, the study provides valuable insights into the lived experience of breastfeeding from the perspective of mothers.
Summary
Breastfeeding offers numerous advantages for newborn babies. The quantitative study by Smith et al. (2018) demonstrated that exclusive breastfeeding contributes to better growth outcomes and more favorable body composition in infants. The qualitative study by Davis et al. (2019) explored the lived experience of breastfeeding from the perspective of mothers and identified themes related to bonding, emotional satisfaction, and empowerment.
Overall, the findings from both articles highlight the importance of breastfeeding for newborn babies and emphasize the need for continued education and support to promote and facilitate breastfeeding practices. While the quantitative study provides empirical evidence regarding the advantages of breastfeeding, the qualitative study offers a deeper understanding of the subjective experience and emotional aspects associated with breastfeeding.