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I recognize the autonomy women have over their bodies, affirming their right to choose whether to participate in breastfeeding. Some women face physiological or medical challenges that prevent them from breastfeeding, despite their desires. Personally, I strongly advocate for breastfeeding, which provides carefully tailored nutrients essential for infants. Breast milk, combined with the baby's saliva, enhances immunity, protecting against infections and promoting long-term health (Al-Shehri et al., 2015). Its unique healing properties cannot be replicated in manufactured formulas. In my nursing practice, I aim to integrate breastfeeding education for new mothers. By employing one of the 'Five Cs' corresponding , I strive to empathetically connect with postpartum patients, understanding their priorities and identifying potential barriers to breastfeeding. This approach allows me to provide tailored support and guidance effectively.

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Podcast Episode 3: Nurses Support Nursing 

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Podcast Episode 3: Nurses Support Nursing 

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This episode discusses nurses supporting breastfeeding, and all its benefits.

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Greetings, my name is Deidrianna, and I invite you to delve into my Echoes and Artifact board. Here, you will embark on an exploration of significant topics from my family and community course, each holding profound personal meaning. Utilizing relational orientation and inquiry-based approaches, I have applied relational inquiry to five focal areas: leadership and collaboration in nursing care, racial disparities, breastfeeding, eating disorders, and depression. Relational inquiry is “the complex interplay of human life, the world, and nursing practice” (Doane & Varcoe, 2020). By utilizing relational inquiry i'm able to see patients at more than just the individual level and consider their personal perspectives as well as what is happening around them.

By navigating through each topic, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these concepts can be integrated into family practice. Moreover, this journey will offer diverse perspectives, prompting reflection on your own approaches to these critical subjects.

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Breast milk is valuable. Breast milk holds so much power and energy to fuel the growing human. Breast milk has healing power. I choose this quote because it echoes the importance of breast milk. It is powerful and yet delicate. It is produced at just the right time and descends when its work is done.

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Breastfeeding helps bond a baby and their mother. The joy of motherhood is incomparable to anything else.

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I have chosen to discuss leadership because of its pivotal role in shaping the future, a responsibility that extends to all nurses who assume leadership roles. Leadership involves the cultivation of a forward-thinking vision, the alignment of individuals, and the motivation and inspiration of others (Doane & Varcore, 2020). Viewing leadership through the lens of relational inquiry, which considers intrapersonal, interpersonal, and contextual elements, underscores its impact on nursing practice and its influence on fostering positive patient outcomes. Furthermore, collaboration in nursing care is like a symphony, where each professional's contribution plays a crucial role in harmonizing efforts toward achieving optimal patient outcomes. For me, leadership and collaboration form the bedrock of nursing practice.

This picture is of my clinical group for NURS 2021 with my clinical instructor for my mental health placement. This was a wonderful of group of young brilliant minds that are the future of nursing.

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Podcast Episode 1: Leaders Are Made , Not Born 

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Podcast Episode 1: Leaders Are Made , Not Born 

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Listen to NURS 2021 on Spotify. This podcast is for a nursing assignment

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This compelling image underscores the essence of nursing care, epitomizing its core values and principles. Nursing exemplifies a collaborative profession, wherein nurses synergistically work alongside other healthcare professionals to ensure the preservation of patients' lives. To me this is what nursing is all about, dedicating my strength, energy and time to save each and every single patient. As every life is valuable.

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Leadership and collaboration in nursing care Image 1

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Article: Interprofessional Collaboration in Nursing: Examples and Benefits

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Article: Interprofessional Collaboration in Nursing: Examples and Benefits

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This article published by MaryVille University demonstrates the importance of collaboration in nursing care, and emphasis on inter-professional, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary nursing. All these forms of collaboration in nursing stem from the array of nursing professions. Nurses in research education, clinical setting, bed-side hospital care, those in private practices, and those in community clinical all need the ability to cooperate and collaborate with other health professionals. Teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration are essential to the role of a nurse. Good teamwork is vital for the best patient outcomes. The article gave an example of a patient who is in treatment for breast cancer, and how much the patient would benefit from interventions beyond the nursing scope such as an oncologist, a dermatologist, and a reconstructive surgeon.

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To provide patients with the highest level of care, nursing professionals need more than just good bedside manner and advanced clinical acumen. They also need the ability to cooperate and collaborate with other health professionals, exhibiting the values of teamwork and professional camaraderie. Good teamwork is essential for not only employee morale but also the best patient outcomes.

What makes interpersonal collaboration in nursing so essential to the patient experience? For one, patients often need to receive care from multiple providers or specialists to have the most holistic, comprehensive treatment. For example, a patient who is treated for breast cancer may benefit from the interventions of an oncologist, a dermatologist, and a reconstructive surgeon.

The nurses involved need to work well with different professionals, ensuring that the full continuum of care provides the same high standards of quality and safety. Similarly, a patient who is in the hospital for an extended period of time may receive treatment from multiple nurses and doctors, making it essential for these providers to be on the same page, clinically and professionally speaking.

For nurses who wish to develop their skills in interprofessional collaboration, advanced training can be invaluable. An accelerated degree program provides the opportunity to hone various practical skills, including the skills related to teamwork in nursing.

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Interprofessional Collaboration in Nursing: Examples and Benefits

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Nurses need to collaborate with other health professionals to offer optimal care. Learn what is interprofessional collaboration with these examples.

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Artifact 2: Diversity in Nursing Leadership

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Artifact 2: Diversity in Nursing Leadership

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I choose this video because it exemplifies a modern shift to the nursing profession, and highlights the importance of nursing in all avenues of the profession. Leadership is not making comments, but rather being an exemplary figure, and giving others a reason to follow.

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James AH, Bennett CL, Blanchard D,Stanley D. Nursing and values-based leadership: A literaturereview. J Nurs Manag. 2021;29:916–930. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.13273JAMES Et Al .|930

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Article : Nursing and values-based leadership: A literature review 

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Article : Nursing and values-based leadership: A literature review 

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This literature review underscores the critical role of leadership in nursing care, particularly emphasizing the significance of authentic leadership behaviors exhibited by nursing managers. These behaviors are found to significantly influence and enhance perceptions of care quality. The alignment between high-quality care and congruent leadership practices is a focal point of the discussion. The selection of this article stems from its rigorous evaluation and synthesis of existing literature on nursing management, effectively incorporating and referencing relevant studies to bolster its arguments. In summary, the literature suggests that ethical leadership correlates positively with effective healthcare outcomes.

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Article : Nursing and values-based leadership: A literature review

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The issue of racial disparity has persisted within the Canadian healthcare system for an extended period. It is evident that stigmatization and racial barriers continue to affect racialized groups across various social determinants of health. I have chosen to explore this topic due to the imperative of addressing racism and inequity within the nursing profession. Drawing from personal experiences and observations of racism in healthcare settings, I intend to employ relational inquiry to mitigate harm and promote education aimed at fostering inclusivity and equity.

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Podcast Episode 2: Racism is a Taught Ideology 

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Podcast Episode 2: Racism is a Taught Ideology 

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Racism is a Taught Ideology by NURS 2021

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This episode focuses on racial disparities in healthcare and amplifies racism and stigmitization

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I posted this image to highlight the on going discrimination and violence many racialize groups face in Canada. The COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the harsh reality, where many asian Canadians were mocked, and verbally and physically abused. The fear of seeking care in the healthcare system was at an all time high.

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Artifact 2: Asian Experiences in North America

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Artifact 2: Asian Experiences in North America

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This video, gives in-depth personal experiences of Asian Americans and the trauma they have faced to give further light into the issue.

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Asian Americans Share Their Experiences with Racism

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African Canadian women have been severely undermined for decades. The historical hatred for black people lead to sterilization, financial barriers, and insufficient access to healthcare. Even today the birth success rate is much lower for black women compared to their Caucasian counterparts (Courdi, 2019). It has even been taught to healthcare professionals that black women have a much higher pain tolerance, suggesting that pain medication and emergency situations are not valid until the doctors say it is(Dayo et al., 2023). Leading to further health complications and death.

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Team work is more than working beside and amongst colleagues. To me team work is much deeper, it requires respect and trust. The same things that we expect from patients.

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The Indigenous people of Canada have endured significant discrimination and adversity within the Canadian healthcare system. Historical practices, including using Indigenous children for medical experiments, subjecting them to unsafe pharmaceuticals, and neglecting their hospital care, have profoundly strained their relationship with the healthcare system today.

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For its fourth consecutive year, Canada has been ranked as number one in the world for quality of life, according to the U.S. News & World Report. A factor that drove the ranking was Canada's advanced health care system.

But when it comes to access to health care and health outcomes, the glaring disparities that separate Canada's Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations cast an ugly shadow on the ranking.

A June 2019 Statistics Canada report indicated that, between 2011-2016, First Nations people experienced a suicide rate that is three times higher than that of the non-Indigenous population. How can such a disparity exist in a country ranked at the top spot for quality of life?
How Indigenous people face worse health outcomes
Suicide rates among Inuit youth in particular are one of the highest in the world, and 11 times greater than the national average. In some First Nations communities, the suicide rate among youth under the age of 15 is almost 50 times greater than the rate among non-Indigenous youth.

Lower life expectancy and the prevalence of chronic conditions - such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and arthritis - also disproportionately burden the Indigenous population. Tuberculosis, a disease that is both curable and preventable, is reported at a rate that is more than 40 times higher among Indigenous people living on-reserve than among non-Indigenous people.

In 2016, a U of T-affiliated comparative study compared racial health inequalities between the US and Canada. Though Canada's population fared relatively better in the margin of inequalities seen across racial minorities, according to the study's findings, the health inequality between the Indigenous and white population in Canada was greater than in the US.

Furthermore, the observed health disparity held when adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioural factors in Canada. In the US, some of the differences could be accounted for by socioeconomic factors.

So what's the reason for this inequity, and why is it especially prevalent in Canada?
The factors that drive the disparity
Paul Kim, a U of T medical student, recently published a paper in Health Equity about the social determinants of health disparities that affect Indigenous people in Canada.

He discussed his findings with The Varsity, highlighting the need for Canadians, especially those in health care, to understand the historical context that underpins the health outcomes for Indigenous people seen today.

Kim's research discussed how distal determinants of health, such as colonialism and racism, can worsen individualized factors, such as health behaviours and socio-economic status.

"The reason why we still see health inequity over time, even though the residential school system doesn't exist anymore, is because of longitudinal policies that influenced parenting habits, influenced diet habits, [and] influenced lifestyle habits," he noted.

"And [it's] not just one generation of impact - [it's a] multi-generational impact between parents and children, and their children's children."

A vicious cycle of health injustice among Indigenous people was set off by the cultural deprivation and systemic isolation of Indigenous people created by residential schools and colonial practices.

Forced assimilation following the Indian Act of 1876 - operationalized through the residential school system, the '60s Scoop, and legislation banning Indigenous languages from being spoken, as well as forbidding the practice of traditional ceremonies and rituals, created a deep rift between culture and personal identity within Canada's Indigenous population.

In his paper, Kim elucidated how the trauma endured by children in the residential school system has continued to manifest in poorer mental health outcomes and cognitive dysfunction decades later.

He explained how these outcomes stemmed from the oppressive environment created by the residential schools, abusive teachers, the psychological stress of being taken from their families and communities, and the fact that this all happened during a critical period of cognitive development and identity formation: childhood.

"As a kid, in particular, emotional stress influences mental health as an adult because the brain is still developing," he noted.

"And that's important to remember," he continued, "because the residential school system targeted children. It's during this critical developmental stage that they learn to make rational judgements, form goals, and develop skills for later in life."

Research has shown that enduring abuse in childhood leads to an increased number of hospitalizations, physical and mental illnesses, and poorer overall self-rated health later in life. Likewise, family separation in childhood is a significant long-term predictor of depression.

Kim also noted the significance of education as an influence on health status later in life. A good education fosters academic and social development, which is necessary to develop strong interpersonal relationships as well as health literacy.

Conversely, negative educational experiences, most notably the abuse experienced by Indigenous children in schools, not only fail to prepare children with the skills they need to thrive, but effectively turn them away from the prospect of academic success and ambition.
Bridging the gap
When asked how we can begin to resolve this issue, Kim expressed optimism, but highlighted the importance of being aware of the connection between Canada's colonial past and the health inequities we see today.

"I think the way that we're headed currently with trauma-informed practice, with the government recognizing what's happened, is a step toward the right direction."

Trauma-informed care is an approach that aims to provide health care services in a manner that is sensitive to the experiences and needs of people that have dealt with trauma. This is especially important given that people who have experienced trauma can be re-traumatized in health care and service settings, and therefore may be less likely to access these services.

Kim believes that several aspects of trauma-informed care are especially important for care providers to keep in mind. Best practices include practising non-judgement when people discuss their trauma, as well as empathy with how one's trauma may relate to an inability to seek help or heal.

He also emphasized using a patient's knowledge of their trauma to facilitate strengths-based skill-building. "Trauma is a negative thing," he said, "but people are resilient."

At a systems-level, Kim believes overcoming Canada's health inequities requires implementing policies that specifically address social determinants of health, particularly on reserves and rural areas. This includes access to clean water, fresh food, job opportunities, and mental health support systems.

"The next time you're on a reserve, think about where the closest hospital is, or where the closest tertiary hospital is, as well as where the closest grocery store is where you can get fresh food."

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Final Report is a good start, said Kim, but policy recommendations need to be "granular and specific" in order to be effective.

"I wouldn't say it's redemption," reflected Kim. "I would say it's the right thing to do. I would say it's a moral obligation."
Editor's note (February 28, 2021): This article's headline has been updated to avoid relating Indigenous people to Canada in a possessive manner. If you or someone you know is in distress, you can call:

Canada Suicide Prevention Service phone available 24/7 at 1-833-456-4566

Good 2 Talk Student Helpline at 1-866-925-5454

Ontario Mental Health Helpline at 1-866-531-2600

Gerstein Centre Crisis Line at 416-929-5200

U of T Health & Wellness Centre at 416-978-8030.

Warning signs of suicide include:

Talking about wanting to die

Looking for a way to kill oneself

Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose

Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain

Talking about being a burden to others

Increasing use of alcohol or drugs

Acting anxious, agitated, or recklessly

Sleeping too little or too much

Withdrawing or feeling isolated

Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

Displaying extreme mood swings

The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk. If you suspect someone you know may be contemplating suicide, you should talk to them, according to the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.

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Why do Indigenous people in Canada face worse health outcomes than non-Indigenous people?

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Medical student Paul Kim on the need for trauma-informed care, addressing the social determinants of health

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Williams, D. R., & Rucker, T. D. (2000). Understanding and addressing racial disparities in health care. Health care financing review, 21(4), 75–90.

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Article : Understanding and Addressing Racial Disparities in Health Care

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Article : Understanding and Addressing Racial Disparities in Health Care

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This article amplifies the importance of racial disparities that stems from racial inequalities and the importance of equal access to care. It is important to be aware of these disparities and address these issues in nursing practice. All to enhance patient health outcomes

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Understanding and Addressing Racial Disparities in Health Care

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Racial disparities in medical care should be understood within the context of racial inequities in societal institutions. Systematic discrimination is not the aberrant behavior of a few but is often supported by institutional policies and unconscious…

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Article: Reasons Why a Parent May Not Breastfeed

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Article: Reasons Why a Parent May Not Breastfeed

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Women have the choice to breastfeed or not to breastfeed. There is much encouragement for women to breastfeed, but yet still some women decide not to. This article talks about the reasons why women may choose to not breast, often related to absence of support, lack of resources, financial barrier, missing education, and the physical burden.

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For some people, the decision to breastfeed is an easy one. But others face barriers related to mental and physical health, finances, practicality, or information. These can make the choice more complicated.

While experts such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Institutes of Health, and the World Health Organization all recommend exclusive breastfeeding for a minimum of six months, the most important thing is that your baby is fed.

Even though breastfeeding encouraged, using formula instead is an option, too. Families should choose the feeding method that works best for them.

Changing Trends in Breastfeeding

Today, more and more people breastfeed. However, in the past, formula feeding was far more popular. Many new parents' own parents used formula. Grandparents may not understand the benefits of breastfeeding and may even discourage the practice.

Grandparents or other older relatives who have little or no experience nursing a child cannot offer advice or guidance. Some communities may also have a bias against breastfeeding or stigma attached to the practice.

Sometimes partners and friends may not have enough information about breastfeeding either. Partners may fear that breastfeeding will interfere with the couple's relationship or they may just think using formula will be easier.

Family members play a vital role in breastfeeding success. Without their support, many people may choose not to breastfeed.

Return to Work or School

It can be overwhelming to handle a new baby, family responsibilities, a home, and the additional stress of work or school. If the stress of pumping or breastfeeding feels overwhelming or frustrating, a parent may decide not to breastfeed. Additionally, regular pumping is not always feasible with every work or school schedule.

Influence of Healthcare Providers

Some healthcare professionals are not educated in breastfeeding techniques or how to handle breastfeeding issues. If the parent's or baby's healthcare provider does not support or understand breastfeeding, any challenges that arise may not be adequately resolved. Or the parent may not be encouraged to continue to nurse.

Lack of Support

The truth is that getting breastfeeding established can be difficult, particularly without guidance on skills like latching, positioning, and preventing nipple pain and engorgement. Many first-time parents do not have breastfeeding support once they leave the hospital. Sometimes, they don't get much help while in the hospital either.

They may not know where to turn to for help or who to go to with questions if they run into problems. They also may not know how common it is to have some struggles or frustration as they learn to breastfeed.

They may assume they aren't making enough milk, even if they are, which is called perceived insufficient milk supply. If new parents are not given follow-up instructions and information on the resources available to them, they may be more likely to stop breastfeeding.

Financial Barriers

Lactation specialists and pump rentals can be expensive. If women will need to pump and do not know where to go for assistance or do not qualify for programs such as WIC, then they may not be able to afford to get the help they need to continue to breastfeed.

However, it's worth noting that in the long run breastfeeding tends to be much less expensive than using formula. Aside from any pumping supplies, which not all women even need, breastfeeding is free.

Personal Issues

Awkwardness, body image issues, stigma, fear, and lack of confidence can all contribute to negative feelings about breastfeeding, says Tamika Auguste, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist practicing in Washington, D.C.

Concerns about exposing the breasts to nurse can also make people feel uncomfortable. "Modesty is personal," says Dr. Auguste. But there are many ways to help breastfeeding feel more private, such as using cloth coverings or nursing only at home.

When thoughts of breastfeeding cause embarrassment, discomfort, or shame, it is more likely a parent will decide against breastfeeding. Additionally, some people see breasts as sexual objects and may have a hard time getting past that.

Health Concerns

Even though people with many types of health issues can breastfeed and are often encouraged to do so, it can still be difficult. Certain health conditions can cause a low milk supply, or a parent might worry about medications that they take and how they may affect their baby.

This can be overwhelming and exhausting. But research shows that obstacles to breastfeeding are often confused with contraindications.

Women who have had breast cancer may not be able to breastfeed after radiation therapy or a mastectomy. Plus, there are some health-related issues, such as HIV infection, when breastfeeding is not recommended.

A Word From Verywell

In some situations, barriers to breastfeeding can be overcome. But it's also a personal choice that should be respected. "We need to educate women about the benefits of breastfeeding, but also emphasize that if you can't breastfeed [for whatever reason], your baby will be just fine," says Dr. Auguste.

People who breastfeed should not pass judgment on people who decide not to breastfeed, and vice versa. As parents, we all need to be understanding of each other's choices and support each other no matter which method of feeding (or parenting) we choose. Ultimately, we all want the same thing-to have happy, healthy children.

Additional Reading

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For some people, the decision to breastfeed is an easy one. But others face barriers related to mental and physical health, finances, practicality, or information. These can make the choice more complicated.

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Pregnancy represents a profound sacrifice for women, marked by substantial changes to their bodies that often endure beyond childbirth. The journey involves sacrifices such as disrupted sleep and altered daily routines to prioritize their baby's well-being and maintain their own health.Breastfeeding, an integral part of early motherhood, demands significant time and energy, not without discomfort. The act triggers the release of oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions, causing considerable pain during nursing (Moberg et al., 2020). Furthermore, as babies progress to teething, mothers may continue to experience discomfort in their breasts.

Despite these challenges, many women choose to breastfeed due to their recognition of the profound importance and value of breast milk.

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Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes for the Mother-Infant Dyad. Dieterich, C. M., Felice, J. P., O'Sullivan, E., & Rasmussen, K. M. (2013). Breastfeeding and health outcomes for the mother-infant dyad. Pediatric clinics of North America, 60(1), 31–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcl.2012.09.010

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Article: Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes for the Mother-Infant

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Article: Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes for the Mother-Infant

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The article examines breastfeeding practices in the US, highlighting benefits for infants and mothers, factors influencing duration, and recommendations for improving breastfeeding rates and health outcomes.

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How Breast Milk Confers Its Benefits

Breast milk has evolved to provide the best nutrition, immune protection, and regulation of growth, development, and metabolism for the human infant ( 24). Breast milk is critical in compensating for developmental delays in immune function in the neonate, and responsible for reducing permeability of the intestine to prepare it for extrauterine life ( 25).

The predominant antibody in breast milk, secretory IgA (sIgA), confers its immunoprotection by inhibiting the adherence to or penetration of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by pathogens and by phagocytosis or cytotoxicity of pathogens ( 26). sIgA is higher in colostrum than mature milk, is present in a form resistant to digestion, and provides key temporal and ubiquitous immunoprotection ( 27, 28). Additional, acquired secretory antibodies, such as IgM and IgG, depend on prior maternal exposure to pathogens, and provide the infant with environment-specific immunoprotection ( 27).

The favorable gut microbiome that results from breastfeeding protects the infant from pathogenic bacteria and has also been associated with reduced asthma and reduced obesity rates in children ( 29). This microbiome is a function of the interaction between human milk's microbiota, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, and the oligosaccharides which serve as fuel for these bacteria; these components resist digestion and have important antimicrobial activity ( 27, 30). The healthy microbiome promotes integrity of the intestinal barrier and competitively inhibits pathogen binding, thereby preventing inflammatory responses ( 25, 27). Additionally, the gut microbiota contribute to regulation of the expression of genes that affect fat metabolism and deposition ( 31).

Microbiota of the healthy GI tract are one of many examples of the functional efficiency of breast milk as they provide both immunoprotection and nutrients by synthesizing several essential micronutrients, namely vitamins B ₁₂, B ₆, folate, and vitamin K ( 31). Lactoferrin is another key example of functional efficiency as it aids in iron absorption, provides a significant proportion of digested amino acids, and provides immunoprotection by promoting epithelial growth and restricting bacterial access to iron ( 27, 28). Digested milk fat globules yield monoglycerides and medium- and long-chain fatty acids with additive antimicrobial properties ( 32), and undigested milk fat globules function as vehicles for small proportions of sIgA ( 33).

Finally, breast milk contains hormones, neuropeptides and growth factors that may affect growth, development, and self-regulation of food intake, contributing to the differences observed between breastfed and formula-fed infants ( 34). Leptin suppresses appetite, and infant serum leptin is positively correlated with maternal concentrations. Ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, is found in higher concentrations in foremilk than in hindmilk ( 35). This concentration difference may also contribute to the better self-regulation of intake in breastfed infants compared to formula-fed infants, and is thus a potential explanation for increased bottle-emptying behavior that is observed among bottle-fed infants ( 36).

Breastfeeding and Infant Health Outcomes

It is well-known that breastfeeding saves and improves the quality of lives even in relatively clean, industrialized contexts. In an analysis of data from the 2005 National Immunization Survey, researchers calculated that if 90% of infants were exclusively breastfed for 6 months, 911 deaths would be prevented ( 37). In an earlier analysis of the costs of formula-feeding, other investigators ( 38) found that, compared to 1,000 infants exclusively breastfed for 3 months, 1,000 infants never breastfed required 2,033 more office visits, 212 more days in the hospital, and 609 more prescriptions in the first year.

The associations between breastfeeding behaviors and infant health outcomes are the subject of a large literature that, despite limitations, establishes breastfeeding as the "gold standard" against which alternative feeds should be evaluated. Most evidence is observational because of the ethical difficulties in randomizing individuals to breastfeeding or formula-feeding. Only one large-scale experimental trial exists in a developed country: the Promotion Of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial (PROBIT) in Belarus, in which hospitals were randomized to promotion of breastfeeding or standard care ( 39). As a result, the intervention and control arms of the trial comprise infants from hospitals with increased breastfeeding rates compared to infants at hospitals with baseline breastfeeding rates, and illustrate the benefits of improving breastfeeding behaviors. Because associations between breastfeeding behaviors and infant health outcomes are confounded by socioeconomic and psychosocial factors, this experimental design offers the best available evidence of causal relationships between breastfeeding and health outcomes. Moreover, among PROBIT participants, breastfeeding was nearly universal in both the intervention and control arms and illness rates were low, reducing the investigators' power to detect a benefit of breastfeeding. Nonetheless, between-group differences were observed, and for these outcomes, a clear causal relationship can be inferred-particularly as biological evidence supports these effects and suggests mechanisms, as discussed elsewhere in this volume [editor provide location]. The evidence from PROBIT is supplemented by many systematic reviews and meta-analyses (summarized in with associated effect measures) that, while subject to the same confounding factors, unequivocally support breastfeeding for optimal infant health.

Table 4

Infections and illnesses

Infants who are not breastfed, or who are breastfed for short periods or at low intensity, have a higher risk of infection and illness than those who are breastfed optimally. In the PROBIT trial, the standard-care group experienced more GI tract infections than the intervention group. These between-group differences were clear despite diminished power, as described above ( 39). In the U.S., where daycare is widespread and infection rates are higher than in Belarus ( 40), a greater effect would be expected. These findings are supported in the observational studies reviewed recently ( 41, 42), with breastfed infants 64% less likely to contract a GI infection.

PROBIT investigators were unable to confirm a similar protective effect of breastfeeding against respiratory ailments and otitis media with experimental data, but the unexpectedly high breastfeeding rates and low incidence of these infections may not have allowed adequate power to do so ( 39). Bachrach and colleagues ( 41, 43) found in their recent meta-analysis of studies from 1980-2001 that breastfed infants had a 72% lower risk of hospitalization for respiratory infections. In addition, investigators of a subsequent prospective cohort in the Netherlands found evidence to support a protective role for breastfeeding against GI and upper- and lower-respiratory tract infections. In the Netherlands cohort, only infants breastfed ≥6 months had lower risk for GI and respiratory-tract infections than non-breastfed controls ( 44). Moreover, the protective effects of breastfeeding persisted after cessation, although they diminished over time ( 41, 42).

In addition to sufficient breastfeeding duration, it is important to provide breast milk exclusively to reduce the risk of infection and illness as this behavior reduces the infant's exposure to illness-causing agents. Among PROBIT infants who were exclusively breastfed for ≥3 months, those who continued to be exclusively breastfed were one-third less likely to have ≥1 GI infections in the first year than infants who were partially breastfed thereafter ( 45). The authors of a recent meta-analysis of cohorts from 1989-1997 found that, while infants ever breastfed were one-quarter less likely to contract otitis media as those never breastfed, infants exclusively breastfed for ≥3 months were half as likely ( 41). In a subsequent prospective cohort, infants exclusively breastfed for 4 months were at greater risk of contracting an upper-respiratory tract infection than those exclusively breastfed for a full 6 months ( 44).

Neurological outcomes

Breastfed and formula-fed babies differ in neurological outcomes, but this association is confounded by socioeconomic status, parental education, parental intelligence, and the home environment ( 41, 46). The experimental design of the PROBIT provides strong evidence of an effect independent of these confounders; at 6.5 y follow-up, children who were in the intervention arm had higher IQ scores and teacher ratings than those in the control arm ( 47). Although Der and colleagues ( 46) did not find support for the association between breastfeeding and cognitive outcomes in their recent prospective cohort and meta-analysis of prior studies through 2004, their sibling analysis in the cohort and the observational design of studies included in the meta-analysis may not have sufficiently controlled for confounding.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Although SIDS deaths have declined substantially in 20 years ( 48), SIDS remains the leading cause of postneonatal death in the US ( 49). PROBIT was not statistically powered to detect differences in mortality, yet investigators found a non-significant trend in reduction of SIDS risk in the intervention group (provide percentage difference? p = 0.12) ( 39). The AAP recommends ( 48) breastfeeding to reduce SIDS risk further because, although this association is not well-understood, it has been recently shown to be independent of infant sleeping position ( 50). The authors of two recent meta-analyses found a protective effect of ever breastfeeding ( 41, 51). Hauck and colleagues analyzed studies conducted during 1966-2009 and found that, compared to formula-fed infants, those who were ever breastfed had a 45% reduction in SIDS risk, those breastfed ≥2 months had a 62% reduction, and those exclusively breastfed for any duration had a 73% reduction ( 51). The fact that breastfed infants are more easily aroused from sleep than formula-fed infants may explain these findings ( 52). This evidence and the AAP recommendation support the incorporation of breastfeeding promotion into the US SIDS-reduction campaign.

Asthma and atopic allergies

Although it is commonly thought that breastfeeding behavior is associated with risk of asthma and allergies, there was no difference in allergy risk between PROBIT groups ( 53). The authors of meta-analyses and reviews of observational evidence have been unable to clarify this association because of lack of power, inconsistent diagnostic criteria, and unresolved confounding. Authors of meta-analyses have found protective effects of breastfeeding, particularly when family history for allergic rhinitis ( 54), atopic allergies ( 55), and asthma ( 41) was present. However, there is some evidence from cohort studies that breastfed infants have increased risk of asthma ( 56) and similar or increased risk of allergy ( 56, 57).

Pediatric cancers

Despite a large literature, including recent meta-analyses ( 41, 58), evidence linking breastfeeding and risk of childhood cancers is limited. This results from limited exploration of certain cancers, small sample sizes, reliance on long-term recall, conflicting or null results, and between-study heterogeneity of findings. However, there is some evidence that breastfeeding may reduce risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and duration of breastfeeding may be important, asstudies have reported that infants breastfed >6 months had a 24% ( 58) and 19% ( 41) reduction in risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia compared to those not breastfed, while those breastfed ≤ 6 mo had a 12% reduction ( 58).

Childhood obesity

The two major mechanisms by which breastfeeding may protect against obesity in the child are through the components/composition of human milk and behaviors related to infant feeding (). In addition to the effects of breast milk components and the microbiome described above, its lower protein concentration may help to protect the infant against later adiposity ( 59). Behaviors of the caregiver may also contribute to the higher obesity rates observed among formula-fed than breastfed infants. Caregivers who encourage bottle-fed infants to empty the bottle may override the infants' internal satiety cues, which may result in poor infant self-regulation of intake. A study by Li et al. ( 36) supports this notion, as infants fed more often from a bottle (versus at the breast) were more likely to finish a bottle at a feeding.

The association between breastfeeding and obesity is controversial. Data from the 6.5-year follow-up of PROBIT provide the only experimental evidence with which to determine whether or not formula-feeding instead of breastfeeding increases the risk of childhood obesity ( 60). No differences were observed between the intervention and standard-care groups in overweight or obesity. It is possible that the difference between some breastfeeding in the control versus more breastfeeding in the intervention groups was not large enough to observe an effect on child obesity as the majority of mothers in both groups initiated were still breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum. Additionally, the authors advise caution when generalizing these findings to contexts where the obesity epidemic is rampant as the proportions of children in PROBIT who were ≥ 85 th (13%) or ≥ 95 th (5%) were substantially lower than those in the US (33% and 18%, respectively) ( 61).

In meta-analyses of observational studies of breastfeeding and the risk of childhood obesity there were small, yet consistent reductions in obesity risk of 13% ( 62) and 22% ( 63) for breastfed compare to formula-fed infants. In another meta-analysis ( 64), a dose-response relationship was identified; there was a 4% reduction in obesity risk for each month of breastfeeding. In contrast, mean BMI was only minimally lower among breastfed compared to formula-fed individuals in a quantitative review of published and unpublished studies, which the authors attributed to confounding factors ( 65).

The importance of breastfeeding for growth may depend on the child's existing adiposity. In one recent study, it appeared that breastfeeding resulted in a healthier BMI distribution overall ( 66) as fewer children were either underweight or obese.

Infants born to obese mothers are at high risk of developing obesity for several reasons. These infants may have inherited a genetic predisposition to obesity, are exposed to an obesogenic environment in utero, are likely to breastfeed for a shorter period than those normal-weight mothers, and the family food environment may also be obesogenic. Infants of heavier Danish mothers who were breastfed for longer periods gained 11% less in their first year of life than those who were breastfed for shorter periods ( 67). In a study of American infants, Li et al. ( 68) found that children of obese mothers who never breastfed had a 6-fold higher odds of becoming overweight compared to children of normal-weight mothers that breastfed for at least 4 months. Based on this evidence, mothers who are obese and children of obese mothers are a key group to target for breastfeeding assistance, and effective interventions are needed to help this population ( 69).

Cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk

Effects of breastfeeding on risk factors for cardiovascular and other metabolic diseases have also been examined in observational studies. In a meta-analysis of 7 studies, breastfeeding decreased the risk of type 2 diabetes by nearly 40% compared to formula-feeding ( 70). Fasting insulin values in later life were 3% lower among those who were breastfed, indicating an association with improved insulin-sensitivity. Breastfeeding may also decrease later risk of type 1 diabetes ( 41) and blood pressure in adulthood ( 71) although evidence for these outcomes are less conclusive because of potential problems of confounding and publication bias.

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Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes for the Mother-Infant Dyad

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Breast milk has evolved to provide the best nutrition, immune protection, and regulation of growth, development, and metabolism for the human infant ( 24). Breast milk is critical in compensating for developmental delays in immune function in the neonate, and responsible for reducing permeability of the intestine to prepare it for extrauterine life ( 25).

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The desire to have bowl like collar bones, a waist as wide as a neck, and gaps between the thighs is not a new trend. The popularity of being skinny and the desperate measures that follow have been around for decades. The rise of social media has further influenced young minds to want to achieve this look. Through the rise of AI generated photographs, plastic surgery and photoshop the physical comparisons to what is online is having a negative impact on individuals. As a result, poor body image impacts mental health. This section will explore eating disorders and the behaviours associated with it. While navigating patients undergoing eating disorders it is important to integrate relational inquiry to focus on how the patient sees themself (intrapersonal), the influence of their social system (media) and how they interpret it ( interpersonal), and the broader context that is influencing their actions.

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Podcast Episode 4: Feeding the Mind, and Starving Poor Body Image

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Podcast Episode 4: Feeding the Mind, and Starving Poor Body Image

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Feeding the Mind and Starving Poor Body Image by NURS 2021

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This episode discuses the influence of social media and eating disorders, along with the poor mental health that follows.

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This image shows common behaviours of those who may be experiencing disordered eating. If you or anyone you know are struggling with an eating disorder there are resources below :

Douglas Foundation (Montreal)

Eating Disorder Hope Hotline (online/phone)

Eating Disorders Ontario Shores (Oshawa)

Eat Well Health Centre (Toronto)

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Article: Eating Disorders and Social Media

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Article: Eating Disorders and Social Media

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Eating disorders are characterized by altered eating behavior that negatively impacts a person's physical and mental health. Some recent evidence has suggested that the use of social media may partially influence the eating behaviors of children and adolescents, leading to an increased prevalence of eating disorders.

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are serious and often fatal conditions associated with severe disturbances in eating behavior/pattern. In the majority of cases, eating disorders are developed due to overthinking body weight, body shape, and food. A drastic alteration in eating behavior often results in nutritional deficiencies, which in turn can affect the gastrointestinal system, cardiac system, bones, teeth, and oral cavity.

Eating disorders are particularly common among adolescents and young adults; however, the conditions can develop at any age. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

Anorexia nervosa develops when people dramatically limit the consumption of foods because of the fear of gaining weight. The condition may lead to severe health complications due to excessive loss of body weight. The major contributing factor is an inaccurate perception about body weight or shape.

Bulimia nervosa develops when people episodically eat a large amount of food and subsequently try to cut out the extra calories in an unhealthy way. Because of the guilt feeling of uncontrolled binge-eating, people often force vomit, exercise heavily, use laxatives, or stop eating to compensate for the episodes of overeating. People with bulimia nervosa may have normal body weight or be slightly overweight.

Binge-eating disorder develops when people regularly overeat but do not try to get rid of the extra calories like a person with bulimia nervosa would do. A new episode of binge-eating mostly occurs at least once a week. Because of abnormally high food intake, people often become overweight or obese.

Impact of social media on eating disorders

Dissatisfaction with body weight or shape is the primary contributing factor of altered eating behaviors among adolescents and young adults. Such conditions are particularly common among young girls. There is evidence highlighting a positive association between prolonged media exposure and the development of eating disorders.

The risk of developing eating disorders can be predicted by the photo-based social media activities of adolescents. There is evidence indicating that avoidance of posting photos on social media, photo investment, and photo manipulation are associated with a higher risk of eating disorders.

A recent study conducted on middle school students has raised the possibility that spending too much time on social media may increase the risk of eating disorders. The study specifically focuses on the use of four social media platforms: Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Tumblr. The social media platforms that communicate through photos and videos, such as Instagram and Snapchat, are highly favored by adolescents.

Adolescents and young adults put too much focus on how they are perceived online. This makes them very conscious about body weight, body shape, calorie intake, and exercise. According to the study, these are the core psychological factors influencing distorted eating behavior.

The study has found that about 52% of girls and 45% of boys opt for skipping meals, heavy exercise, and other behaviors associated with eating disorders. Of all participants, about 75% of girls and 70% of boys have been found to have at least one social media account, with Instagram being the most common.

A significantly higher risk of eating disorders has been observed for both boys and girls with each type of social media account. A significantly higher susceptibility to develop eating disorder-related behaviors and over-thinking of body weight and shape has specifically been observed for girls with Snapchat and Tumblr accounts and boys with Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Take-home message

Excessive use of social media may be associated with higher thoughts and behaviors related to eating disorders. The risk may be higher for adolescents and young adults who spend more time on social media and have accounts on multiple platforms. However, there are other factors that could potentially alter the eating behaviors of adolescents, including the influence of friends and family and diet plans followed at home.

Social media may have only a little influence on some people. Thus, it is important to identify the most susceptible people who can be easily influenced by social media content specifically promoting the use of highly processed foods and unrealistic exercise regimens for weight loss and body shape maintenance.

The recommended minimum age for having a social media account is 13 years. Surprisingly, the influence of social media on eating behaviors has been observed among adolescents younger than 13 years.

Given the complexity of the situation, it is recommended that adolescents should be educated about the advantages and disadvantages of social media. This will help them make informed decisions. There is evidence suggesting that social media literacy reduces the risk of eating disorders among adolescents.

Certain programs such as Media Smart and Media Smart Online have been developed and implemented among school students to reduce the risk of eating behaviors. In preliminary studies, these programs have shown beneficial outcomes.

References

Further Reading

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Eating disorders are characterized by altered eating behavior that negatively impacts a person's physical and mental health.

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This image showcases beautiful women during previous Victoria Secret runways. These women are praised for their beauty and elegance, and are greatly admired. Many strive to achieve this look but their body type does not come easy to most.

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The "angels" the admirable women with long legs, and slim waist. They grace the runway, magazines, billboards, and are part of campaigns. There beauty is posted everywhere. Many young women hope to achieve their look, but are unaware of what it takes. It is not good to compare ourselves to these woman who can afford to dedicate all their time and energy into their physique, and have the money and resources for personal chiefs.

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Artifact 3: Hidden Secrets. Eating Disorders

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Artifact 3: Hidden Secrets. Eating Disorders

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Rayo's story is inspiring. Rayo Cole speaks of her experiences with battling binge eating, bulimia, and anorexia , along with the mental toll it put on her. Rayo found herself at a low place, unwilling to caring on. However, through her faith and recognizing the distress she was in, Rayo was able to push through and is recovering.

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Hidden Secrets: Eating Disorders | Rayo Cole | TEDxCrenshaw

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A binge eating disorder (BED) is considered a mental illness that is in the eating disorders category of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illness" (DSM-5), a handbook commonly used by mental health professionals and other diagnosticians as a guide to identify mental illnesses.

A person who has a binge eating disorder has a feeling of being out of control when it comes to eating. Food is ingested very quickly in large amounts. Binge eating differs from bulimia in that a person with a binge eating disorder does not purge themselves-by using laxatives or vomiting- after eating, as a person with bulimia does.

What Is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating disorder is a serious but treatable condition that involves recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food.

In addition to eating food in excess and to the point of discomfort, the condition is also characterized by feeling out of control when eating and a sense of shame or guilt over the behavior.

Episodes of overeating that are classified as binge eating can significantly and negatively impact your health and well-being, making it especially important to identify the signs and symptoms of binge eating and get help if necessary.

According to the DSM-5, a person must binge at least once a week for three months before being a candidate for a formal diagnosis of BED. Other DSM-5 criteria for BED include:

Loss of control over the amount a person eats

Discernible distress related to periods of binging

In addition to distress and loss of control, a person must have three or more of the following symptoms to be diagnosed with BED:

Experiencing fullness and continuing to eat until the level of discomfort is reached

Eating very fast (faster than is considered normal; this could be described as "inhaling" one's food)

Feelings of depression, guilt, or self-loathing (disgust) about overeating

Avoidance of eating with others, preference to eat alone due to embarrassment linked with eating such large amounts of food

Eating a large quantity of food (even when no physical feeling of hunger is present)

Binge Eating vs. Overeating

Statistics

BED is considered the most common type of eating disorder in the United States. In fact, according to the National Eating Disorders Association, BED is over three times more prevalent than anorexia and bulimia (combined).

One study found that 3.5% of women and 2% of men had binge eating disorder in their lifetime.

Although the majority of people diagnosed with obesity are not considered binge eaters, up to two-thirds of those with BED are obese.

Comorbidity

There are a number of common signs and symptoms of a BED. A person with this type of disorder often:

Eats very large amounts of food in a short period of time

Refrains from being finished eating until they feel overly full and often uncomfortable

Eats to reduce stress and lower anxiety

Has a track record of gaining and losing weight

Eats normal amounts of food around others, but often eats large amounts alone to hide symptoms

Eats continuously all day (without any type of planned mealtimes)

Hoards food to eat later in secret

Experiences trouble losing weight and keeping it off (Weight loss is often more difficult for a person who binge eats than people with other serious weight problems, such as those with obesity.)

Specific emotions linked with BED include:

Feeling self-disgust, guilt, and depression after binge eating

Feeling embarrassed about the amount of food they eat

Experiencing stress or anxiety that is only alleviated by eating

Feeling numb while binge eating

Feeling desperate to control eating and lose weight

Risk Factors

It is thought that several combined factors help to increase the risk of having BED. These include a person's:

Environmental factors (such as childhood experiences)

Genetics

Emotions

Biological factors

Environmental Risk Factors

Several environmental factors are associated with the development of binge eating disorder. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, factors that may increase the risk of binge eating include:

Being an adolescent (mostly female)

Being a young adult woman

Experiencing social pressures

Pursuing professions or activities that involve the need to be thin

Experiencing pressure to diet

Negative parental influences

Factors that impact a person's self-worth or body image (such as media that portray very thin women)

Being subjected to negative comments frequently (particularly comments about body image)

Being bullied

Sexual abuse

Note, although BED often impacts younger women and teens, it can occur at any age and also occurs in men.

Genetic Factors

Statistically, eating disorders do tend to have a familial link. Female relatives are more often impacted than males in the family. Because people who have a close family member with BED tend to have a higher risk of an eating disorder, it is believed that genetic factors are involved in the condition.

Emotional and Psychological Factors

Several predisposing factors exist for eating disorders, and in the instance of anorexia and bulimia, the research is quite clear. When it comes to BED, however, the disorder's risk factors have not been as extensively researched, but there are some clues as to common personality factors that may predispose a person to BED. These include:

Low self-esteem

Feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness

Depression

Anxiety

A history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

A history of depression or anxiety

A history of unhappiness

The inability to cope with emotions or stress

Poor body self-image

Other factors and emotions commonly linked with BED include:

Feeling hurt

Loneliness

Sadness

Disappointment

Problems with impulse control

Body image issues (which is a common symptom for people with other eating disorders, such as anorexia)

Difficulty managing emotions

Trouble effectively expressing feelings

Biological Factors

Biological factors that may increase the risk of BED include:

Hormonal irregularities

Low levels of brain chemicals (such as serotonin)

Note, low serotonin levels are also linked with depression. According to a 2017 study, some people with BED respond well to medications that affect the function of serotonin in the body.

Behavioral Risks

Several behavioral risks may factor into predisposing a person to the development of BED. These include:

A history of dieting (particularly when going on extensive fasts and other radical type diets) during a person's adolescent years

An obsession with being thin or losing weight, and the pressure to diet, which can result in anxiety, stress and shame, triggering the desire to binge

Complications

Many complications may arise from BED. Examples include:

In addition to specific disorders, complications of BED may include many different imbalances of various body systems (such as the hormonal system). People with eating disorders (including BED) may have disturbances in various functions of the body, including:

Problems with normal digestion

Appetite problems

Insomnia (trouble sleeping)

Disturbances in normal physical growth and development

Hormonal problems

Alteration in kidney function

Emotional problems

Memory and thinking problems

A Word From Verywell

At Verywell Health, we know that when it comes to recovery from binge eating, the process can be quite long and complicated. It is no small undertaking. Recovery may involve many different types of treatment.

Keep in mind that this information does not serve as medical advice and that anyone with a binge eating disorder should seek professional help and follow the advice of their healthcare provider, mental health professionals, and other members of the medical team.

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A binge eating disorder (BED) is considered a mental illness that is in the eating disorders category of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illness" (DSM-5), a handbook commonly used by mental health professionals and other diagnosticians as a guide to identify mental illnesses.

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A young women battling with binge eating disorder. Dealing with the feelings of shame and regret following a binge, leading to feelings of depression and worthlessness

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Stigma makes people think that having a mental illness is embarrassing, like it is a personal failure or weakness. The stigma cycle starts with negative perception . Depression is a mental disorder that is characterized by feelings of low mood, and loss of interest or enjoyment in all or almost all previous enjoyable activities. If person is experiencing low mood for most of the day for 14 days they are considered to to be depressed ( Thapar et al., 2022). However, it is important to note that depression does not look the same on all people. Some people can appear comedic, loud and energized out in public, but struggle behind close doors. In nursing practice it is important to utilize relational inquiry to get a intrapersonal, interpersonal and contextual view on how the disorder is affecting the patient. Nurses must also acknowledge their own hermeneutic phenomenology in practice, recognizing that everyones personal experiences in life are unique. While providing compassionate, competent care with collaborative interventions.

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Podcast Episode 5: Mental Health is Health

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Podcast Episode 5: Mental Health is Health

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In this episode we talk about Depression

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Image:Jamie Larsen / EyeEm / Getty Images

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Artifact 1a: What people think Depression looks like

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Artifact 1a: What people think Depression looks like

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People often expect depression to look a certain way. The perception is typically of a distraught person, sobbing endlessly. The stigma of depression makes it difficult to identify individuals who have been struggling with depression for several years.

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 Artifact 1b: What Depression actually looks like

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 Artifact 1b: What Depression actually looks like

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This is a picture of Robin Williams he is an actor and comedian. Williams was such a talent and a tremendous pleasure to be around. Following a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease the actor struggled in silence. Tragically, on August 11 2014 Williams took his last breath, as he died by suicide in his Marin County home. William had been struggling with depression and anxiety, along with loneliness. You would not have guessed this due to his stage presence and outgoing personality.

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Artifact 2: Self-Made Poem on Depression

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Artifact 2: Self-Made Poem on Depression

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In this moment I have let go of all my aspirations

It is like my mind has undergone an assassination

I no longer have the drive to make my destination

When people ask

I try to mask

All that i'm feeling

I try to conceal it

My mind is filled with all these crippling thoughts, self- doubts and I do not know how to get out

Depression has caught me

and now i'm begging for it to un-knot me.

Written by Deidrianna Chippie

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Francis, Heather M., et al. "A brief diet intervention can reduce symptoms of depression in young adults - A randomised controlled trial." PLoS ONE, vol. 14, no. 10, 9 Oct. 2019, p. e0222768. Gale Academic OneFile, dx.doi.org.proxy1.lib.trentu.ca/10.1371/journal.pone.0222768. Accessed 24 July 2024.

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Article: A brief diet intervention can reduce symptoms of depression in young adults - A randomised controlled trial.

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Article: A brief diet intervention can reduce symptoms of depression in young adults - A randomised controlled trial.

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national center for biotechnology information

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A brief diet intervention can reduce symptoms of depression in young adults - A randomised controlled trial - PubMed

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There is strong epidemiological evidence that poor diet is associated with depression. The reverse has also been shown, namely that eating a healthy diet rich in fruit, vegetables, fish and lean meat, is associated with reduced risk of depression. To date, only one randomised controlled trial (RCT) ...

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This song is inspired by the artist experiences with depression. Where she sings about none of her friends checking up on her, and her turning to alcohol for comfort. Leading to a further spiral into depression

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I have chosen to create an art piece that portrays both the emotional and physiological journey a baby undergoes during childbirth. On the left side of the piece, the depiction is serene, showing the baby in a state of peace and tranquility within the mother’s uterus. Contrastingly, the right side portrays the dramatic transition as the baby emerges into the world, encountering various stressors that impact its body. During my placement in maternal and childcare, I had the privilege of witnessing a complete childbirth. This experience allowed me to closely observe the newborn's behaviors and physiological adaptations. My artwork aims to highlight the profound transformation experienced by the baby as it leaves the secure confines of the maternal womb for the first time. Upon birth, infants often undergo a significant drop in blood glucose levels due to the severance of the umbilical cord, which previously supplied all their nutritional needs. Nurses, relying on empirical knowledge, must possess a thorough understanding of these physiological changes and be prepared to intervene swiftly in case of complications. Apart from crying, infants lack the ability to verbally express discomfort or pain. Therefore, employing aesthetic observation becomes crucial for caregivers to discern and respond to the baby’s non-verbal cues effectively. Additionally, recognizing that infants are inherently reliant on their caregivers, nurses should engage in relational inquiry. This involves considering the broader family and environmental factors that influence the baby's health outcomes. Educating parents about their baby’s specific needs is essential for promoting the infant’s well-being.