Poverty

A family of three living on $17,400 a year is not only poor, but officially is considered living in poverty by the U.S. government...therefore, there are approximately 46 million people living in poverty in the United States today (Kochakian, 2011). In addition, Children who live in poverty, especially young children, are more likely than their peers to have cognitive and behavioural difficulties, to complete fewer years of education, and, as they grow up, to experience more years of unemployment ("More than," 2011).

In my current profession, I work with families from various socioeconomic backgrounds and many of these families are apart of the 46 million Americans living in poverty. I learned of poverty at an early age and can remember giving to those on need be it clothes, food or volunteering and I continue to give throughout my adulthood. Through conversation, I found that a close friend grew up living in poverty. She has reported that her mother was a single parent raising two young children in the inner city. This friend experienced housing instability, living in a home (at times) with no electricity or gas and also utilizing local food pantries to "stock up" on essentials for proper nutrition until the monthly food stamps were replenished the following month. She always reports that she has had to work three times as hard as others to "get out the hood." She states that growing up in poverty has taught her to value education and hard work. As a 29 year old mother and wife, she has since graduated college and has obtained two Master's degrees and holds a prominent position in the west coast.

Fortunately, she was able to end the generation cycle of poverty however many children are unable to do so. For instance, Brazil implemented the Zero Hunger program in 2003 to fight hunger and give children hope for the future (Frayssinet, 2011). This one program has reportedly uplifted 28 million people out of poverty. Those in Brazil (16 million) live on less than $41 dollars a month which includes entire families.

Fabiana Frayssinet. (2011, November 8). BRAZIL: TAKING THE FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER

ABROAD. Global Information Network. Retrieved November 26, 2011, from ProQuest Central.

(Document ID: 2506684091).

Kochakian, Charles. (2011, November 21). Revised portrait of U.S. poverty; Census report shows

effects of public welfare, health care costs. New Haven Register,A.4. Retrieved November 26,

2011, from ProQuest Central. (Document ID: 2517414361).

More than 1 in 5 U.S. children are poor: census. (2011, November 18). Calgary Herald,A.14.

 

Retrieved November 26, 2011, from ProQuest Central. (Document ID: 2515892621).

The Importance of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a natural part of human development and life, however, many woment choose not to breastfeed their newborn and babies and instead feed their children baby formula. This topic is both meaningful and important to me as when I begin to plan to have children, I also plan to breastfeed. I would like to gather and utilize as much information on this topic as possibe to become well-informed.

Some information that I have gathered from the Berger (2009) text states that Compared with cow's milk, human milk is sterile, at body temperature, with iron, vitamins and other nutrients for brain and body. Also, Berger (2009) includes other breastfeeding benefits such as:

• Babies who are breasefeed are less likely to get sick
• Breastfeeding lower risks of childhood and adulthood disease
• Provides immediate bonding of infant-mother
• Reduces infant death in developing countries.

In researching the act of breatfeeding in Australia this is what I have found (www.kellymom.com):

Percentage of Babies Breastfed in Australia in 1995

Never breastfed	12.4 %
Breastfed...	87.6 %
Less than one week	1.9 %
Two weeks or more	77.7 %
Two months or more	68.1 %
Six months or more	47.1 %
One year or more	15.3 %
Unknown duration	2.3 %

Also, in Australia, recommend exclusive breastfeeding of infants until six months of age, with the introduction of solid foods at around six months and continued breastfeeding until the age of 12 months – and beyond, if both mother and infant wish. (www.health.gov.au.) The Australian Government offers 24-hour telephone service to its citizens who seek breastfeeding advice and millions of dollars have been spent on researching breastfeeding, its benefits and Australia's committment its children and families.

Childbirth

Although, I have yet to become pregnant and give birth; I have had the joyous experience of witnessing the birth of my cousin, who is now four years old. I have assisted her mother, who is also my cousin throughout her pregnancy and after three failed trips to the birthing center in four days. Sh'Miyae was born on March 31, 2007, a beautiful and healthy baby girl. This was a happy time for everyone. I remember Sh'Miyae's mother refusing Epidural and the pain she suffered while giving birth. I also remember her wanting to watch Sh'Miyae be delivered as well. The on-lookers attempted to have her relax, breath and focus on a picture in the room however she had other plans. I sat and watched her scream, kick nurses and be an on-looker herself as Sh'Miyae was being delivered. We were a little scared because after Sh'Miaye was delivered she was not breathing correctly and there was a sense of fear and panic in the room which quickly subsided as her breathing was back to normal. I chose this example because its an example of a normal birth. This year, I have also had the unfortunate opportunity of witnessing the birth of a child that was born twenty-two before gestation and he did not survive. Witnessing these two births provided me with the opportunities to view both the ups and downs of pregnancy and childbirth and child development. In one of my favorite books, Yesterday, I Cried by Iyanla Vanzant, Mrs. Vanzant summarizes that the in which one comes into the world, is the way one behaves, thinks and personality traits. An example would be if a child is breeched and comes out of his or her mother's womb feet first. I would like to test this theory out.

Berger (2009) writes that In the United States, only 1 percent of births take place at home. I assumed that this number would be at least 5 percent. However, in other countries most births are at home. For example, in China babies are born at home (now in some hospitals) in an armchair or futon with the assistance of a midwife, the baby and mother are put on a "sit the month" which means the mother is free of household duties/chores and nurses herself and the baby for an entire month. The husband is not allowed to care for the child during this time. Also, during this time the baby receives its first bath on day 3. This birthing practice is complete opposite of what I have witnessed as ShiMiaye was cleaned, fed and observed by staff for one day. Then, she and her mother were eventually released from the birthing center the next day.  In American births, most are completed in a hospital and if the baby and mother are doing well then they are released within one to three days. The Chinese mother gets at least 30 days to bond and take care of herself and child while the American mother is sent home and scheduled for a doctor visit. The time time that the Chinese mother spends with her child allows the parent/child bond to strengthen and also encourages a trusting relationship as this mother's only duty is to take care of the child which further allows for healthy development for the child.