Breastfeeding practices and associations with pregnancy, maternal and infant characteristics in Australia: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding to six months of age is a major global public health priority. Several characteristics are known to be associated with early cessation of breastfeeding, however, limited evidence exists regarding whether women's reported reasons for cessation are associated with maternal, pregnancy and infant characteristics. The aims of this study were to: i) describe women's reported intention to breastfeed and their subsequent breastfeeding practices; ii) describe women's reported reasons for breastfeeding cessation prior to the infant being five months of age; and iii) examine associations between these factors and maternal, pregnancy and infant characteristics.

A personal conceptualization of healing.

Healing in itself is a complex issue, and to that regard this paper focuses on the concept through a whole person care approach. Emphasis is placed on providing a description of healing, identifying it's many attributes and contributing factors, and listing the qualities that define a holistic healer. Complementary therapies have been found to be a major contributor to holistic healing, though more importance needs to be placed on the idea that it is through an intentional change in thought processes, attitudes and practice that a nurse may experience contentment in the role of holistic healer.