Reproductive Health SS2 Biology Lesson Note

Reproductive health is a state of the absolute well-being of an individual as it relates to reproduction and his or her reproductive parts. 

Among the methods of ensuring good reproductive health are genetic counselling and safe breastfeeding.

1. Genetic Counseling

Genetics is the study of heredity and variation in living things. Every living thing contains the genetic material that makes up DNA molecules. This material is passed on when organisms reproduce. Genetics is a process that ensures the passing of certain genes to children from parents. When you look at yourself in the mirror, you are sure to find some traces of resemblance with your parents or even your grandparents. This is attributed to genetics. 

According to Wikipedia, genetic counselling is the process of advising individuals and families affected by or at risk of genetic disorders to help them understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. 

Genetic counselling helps people understand how birth defects, genes and medical conditions run in families. Genetic counselling can come before, during and after reproduction. Genetic counselling before pregnancy can address concerns about factors that might affect the baby during infancy or childhood or the ability to even become pregnant,

Whenever two individuals want to get married, they are usually advised to go for a genotype test. The purpose of this test is to determine their genetic compatibility and to avoid health complications, especially where pregnancy is concerned. For instance, certain genotype groups should not have a baby together. 

The importance of genetic counselling at every phase of an individual’s life, from pregnancy to adulthood, cannot be overemphasized.

2. Breastfeeding

According to Wikipedia, breastfeeding, also known as nursing, is the feeding of babies and young children with milk from a woman’s breast. Breast milk contains many nutrients that are necessary for the survival of an infant. It has several advantages for both the mother and the baby which include:

• It provides ideal nutrition for the baby. Continued breastfeeding is then recommended for at least one year, as different foods are introduced into the baby’s diet. Breast milk contains everything the baby needs for the first six months of life, in all the right proportions.
• Breast milk is loaded with antibodies that help the baby fight off viruses and bacteria.
•  Breastfeeding may make the baby smarter. Some studies have been carried out and breast milk has been found to contain certain nutrients that improve the cognitive development of the brain.
• Breastfeeding may reduce the baby’s risk of contracting several illnesses and diseases.

Certain myths about breastfeeding have in a way affected how women breastfeed their babies. These myths include:

• Small breasts won’t make enough milk. This is a common misconception about breastfeeding. The capacity of a woman’s breasts to make milk is determined by the breast tissue (milk-producing cells), not by the size of her breasts. Breast size is determined by fat, which has no bearing on milk production.
• Medications cannot be taken while breastfeeding. Several drugs are compatible with nursing and should be taken with the doctor’s advice.
• It is normal for breastfeeding to hurt and having sore nipples is inevitable. It is common but it is not a norm and can be avoided.

With all the myths busted, having a health consultant at all times is very important.