Is Breast Really Best?

People are living longer, mainly due to changes in lifestyles but also because of incredible advances in health care. One of the results is the need for more healthcare professionals, including nurses. One way the industry is changing is by offering career choices in the form of more educational opportunities and options.

The Associate's Degree in Nursing has only recently become an option, though it's quickly gaining favor in the health care industry. While there are naturally some differences in the training for an associate's degree as opposed to a bachelor's degree, many health care agencies - including hospitals and doctor's offices - are recognizing the fact that those graduating with associate's degrees can perform many of the same duties and handle many of the same responsibilities as those with bachelor's degree. But is there really a difference?

There has to be some difference simply by the difference in time requirements for the two degrees. An associate's degree is typically accomplished in two years. This is sometimes called a fast track and there are many associate's degree programs available. Most are available through community colleges or technical training schools, though some four-year universities are now offering fast track degrees as part of their training programs.

By comparison, a bachelor's degree in nursing usually takes four years. Some who go into college with at least a few hours of college behind them and a solid plan can accomplish it sooner, especially if summer school classes are used to hasten the process. But as a rule, it takes a full four years to complete college with a bachelor's degree in any field, including nursing.

If you can achieve an associate's degree in only two years, why would anyone go on for the bachelor's degree? Most health care facilities seem willing to accept either degree, but most make a pay differentiation. Those who have graduated with a bachelor's degree can often expect to be paid more than those with an associate's degree. One of the positive points is that a nurse with an associate's degree can usually go to work earning a good wage and pick up classes toward the bachelor's degree to increase their worth.

So what's the difference in the actual study required? One important point noted by proponents of the associate's degree is that the four-year university requires a well rounded education before conferring a degree. That means that graduates are required to complete requirements in history, communication, physical education and other subjects that some say aren't relevant to a nursing degree. There are also some math and science courses that are typically above those required for a two-year nursing degree.

By comparison, an associate'
s degree program will often use a lock format. Instead of taking an algebra class and a chemistry class, those in the associate's degree program may take an afternoon class that combines the two, focusing on the way algebra and chemistry apply to their chosen field.

Some say there's no substitute for the bachelor's degree and that nurses should all be required to go through the full program. As long as there's a demand for nurses and others in the health care field, there's no doubt that faster training - as long as it's adequate - will be in demand.

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About the Author:

Scott Knutson is an entrepreneur and writer. For more of his articles visit: Nursing Degree Online Nursing Schools Nursing Scrubs

Is Breast Really Best?

There is NO comparison..BREAST REALLY IS BEST!!

However in today's society where most mothers are finding themselves having to go back to work and with some even not taking their full maternity leave due to financial constraints placed upon them, this makes finding the time and the energy to breast feed a very difficult decision and bottle feeding the only option available to them. Many people look down on mothers who find themselves unable to breast feed and see the mother as depriving the child.

There has been a decline in the number of babies who are breastfed in recent years and this figure drops dramatically after the ages of four months. This has prompted the government to launch a campaign for more mothers to breast feed their children. The government wants to promote and encourage mothers to breast feed their babies and to continue doing so after their baby has past their first stage and is moving towards solid foods.

Advantages of Breast Feeding

Breast milk provides all the essential nutrients that a baby needs. There is no need for vitamin or other supplements to be introduced to the babies diet when breastfeeding.
Breast milk also can protect him or her from infections.

After giving birth a baby usually needs fed within an hour after delivery.
Breast milk at this time produces a substance called 'Colostrum' which is a yellowish transparent fluid. This substance lasts for approximately the first 3 days and is rich in high levels of protein and anti bodies which the baby needs. This fluid also contains less fat and a baby weaned on 'Colostrum' is more likely to resist the bacteria and viruses that can cause illness.

It also helps to build up a healthy immune system and protects the baby against disease by providing essential anti bodies and growth factors.

After the first few days a mother's milk changes in colour and consistency. This being due to a change in the mothers hormones. This milk is of a thinner consistency and is usually blue-white in colour.

A mothers milk constantly changes as both the baby and the mother develops. This ensures that the mother's milk is designed to meet the digestive and nutritional needs of the developing baby. A baby's digestive system is far from developed when a baby is born and this even more so in premature babies. Breast milk can aid and assist the breakdown of this important nutrition ensuring the baby's needs are met.

Breast feeding may also prevent diarrhoea, ear and urinary tract infections. It may also reduce blood pressure.

Breast fed babies also have a lower rate of contracting meningitis or severe blood infections.

Breastfeeding your baby can raise his or her IQ levels. This being due to the essential fatty acids and minerals found in the breast milk.

A baby who is breast fed can almost never becomes allergic to their mothers milk.

Breast fed milk ensures that the baby is exposed to fewer allergens and helps protect against allergies which are found in formula milk.

Although it is difficult to monitor how much breast milk a baby is receiving, it is shown that it is almost impossible to over feed a breast fed baby.

A mother who breast feeds usually develops a closeness to her child. This has massive psychological benefits for both mother and child.

Breast milk is FREE, CONVENIENT and NATURAL!
It is always there and you don't need to carry around cumbersome equipment and bottles.

Disadvantages of Breast Feeding

There are very few disadvantages in breastfeeding.

The main disadvantage is that the mother has to be there to provide milk at all times. The may make the mother tired and anxious. She may find that she has to plan her timetable very meticulously and if going out with the baby ensure that there are suitable mother and baby rooms available. ( For all the advantages in modern society some people still find a mother breast feeding her baby in public an act of 'public indecency').

Mothers may find that their milk dries up and may develop swollen or cracked nipples. When a mother finds their milk has dried up they may find that this can cause some psychological problems as the mother may feel she unable to 'provide for her baby'.

They may also find that their milk may leak and will have to wear a nursing bra and breast pads whilst breastfeeding.

She also will have to watch her diet for the time she is breastfeeding as anything she east will be passed straight through her to the baby through her milk.
About the Author

Gillian Docherty writes for the Unique baby names Pregnancy site http://www.top-100-baby-names.name