Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:

• Textbook: Chapter 4, 5, 6 Please see attachment for textbook
• Lesson
• Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook) 

Initial Post Instructions

Option 1: There is much debate about breastfeeding versus bottle feeding and which is best for a baby’s physical, cognitive and socioemotional development. Based on what you have learned from the textbook, lessons and outside readings, what advice would you give to a patient who is struggling with the decision to breastfeed her 2-week-old infant. Consider that her milk supply has dipped, she is suffering from severe post-partum depression, but she has access to an excellent lactation consultant. Would you advise that breastfeeding or bottle feeding would be best for her infant’s development? Why/why not? Are there any other factors that you must take into consideration?

Option 2: Researchers like Ainsworth, Bowlby and Harlow all theorized about the importance of attachment in infancy. Using what you have learned about attachment in infancy, how would you choose the best childcare arrangements for an 8-month old? Do you think that having a mother or father stay at home is the best option? Or is a daycare best? What about a nanny? Extended family member? Other option? Explain your reasoning and be sure to make connections to relevant theory and research from your studies this week.

Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least one peer. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification. CLASSMATES POST BELOW

Writing Requirements

• Minimum of 2 posts (1 initial & 1 follow-up)
• Minimum of 2 sources cited (assigned readings/online lessons and an outside source)
• APA format for in-text citations and list of references
• Classmates Post below
• Nina Pelemis2:42pmMay 9 at 2:42pmManage Discussion EntryBreastfeeding compared to bottle feeding can be a very difficult decision for a mother to make, but for some women it may be that they are faced with only one of the two options. There are a variety of factors that can influence the decision to breastfeed or bottle feed based on what works best for the family’s lifestyle. Convenience, nutrition, physical ability, and the mother’s mental state can all be reasons for choosing one over the other. For the new mother who is having difficulty breastfeeding, I would recommend bottle feeding based on what I know about her in the few sentences provided, but it is important to note she has many options available to her if she decides to take either option!I would recommend bottle feeding based on her current situations for a number of reasons. First, her severe postpartum depression is something I took major consideration in determining what could possibly work best for her. The last thing I would want for this new mother is to have the added stress of not being able to breastfeed. If she is able to bottle feed, this could take a little bit of weight off her shoulders knowing that she is able to feed and nourish her newborn, whilst taking care of herself during her postpartum period as well. We can also note that there is a link between women going through PPD and reduced milk supply as well as a shorter breastfeeding period for them (Nonacs, 2015). I would strongly recommend that this new mom address her postpartum depression first because the mom’s health during this period is just as important. Women should always seek help and receive help for their PPD. There is a lot of support and resources available to help them get through this tough time. It is a serious subject and should never be brushed aside or not taken seriously when a woman presents postpartum depression symptoms. Treatment for PPD includes medication, therapy, and self help techniques (Mayo Clinic, 2018). The new mom presented in this situation may benefit from one or more of these treatment options provided.I do not think that it would be a waste of time for the mother to get in contact with a lactation specialist. It could help the new mom to learn how to breastfeed for future reference and it could help build that skin to skin connection that bottle feeding mothers may miss. In fact, her lactation treatment and PPD treatment can be intertwined to work together while still addressing both issues for the mom. This can be beneficial because she can address her PPD while also getting help for her lactation issues (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2018).Breastfeeding is an amazing thing for a mom and baby to experience on a physical level, but nutritionally as well. It helps the baby receive vital nutrients, contains passive immunity, and is ready for the baby to ingest right away. So yes, there are many things that store bought formula simply cannot mimic as far as the contents of pure breastmilk, but the formula is there for a reason! It is still nutritional supplemental for the baby and provides the baby with its essential nutrients that they need to grow! Whatever this new mom finds is right for her and her lifestyle, there are so many options and resources to help her get through it.Ruta, Nonacs. (February 9, 2015). MGH Center For Women’s Mental Health. https://womensmentalhealth.org/posts/psychological-distress-mother-may-affect-levels-immunoglobulins-breast-milk/ (Links to an external site.)Kripke, Kate. (April, 19, 2011). “When The Risk of Not Getting Help For PPD Just Isn’t Worth It”. Postpartum Progress. https://postpartumprogress.com/when-the-risk-of-not-getting-help-for-ppd-just-isnt-worth-it (Links to an external site.)American Pregnancy Association. “Breastfeeding vs bottle feeding”. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-vs-bottle-feeding-formula/