Breastfeeding, considered a biological norm, stands out as the most natural and optimal way to feed/nourish infants and young children. Scientifically proven to have a positive impact on various aspects of a child's health and optimal development, breastfeeding lays a solid foundation for later development stages. Both the composition of maternal milk and the act of breastfeeding, based on numerous studies, are associated with better outcomes in motor, cognitive, socio-emotional, nutritional, and speech-language communication domains. From a motor movement perspective, children engaged in breastfeeding, in comparison to other feeding methods, particularly bottle-feeding, require more refinement, synchronicity, and precision in the repetitive movements of orofacial structures. This, due to their similarity, represents some kind of training for later consumption of solid food and articulation.
In the theoretical part of the thesis, we examined the anatomy of structures, involved in breastfeeding, their development, the physiology of breastfeeding, and the process of sucking, comparing it with alternative feeding methods. We addressed all the structures and reflexes involved in breastfeeding, both from the mother's and the child's perspectives. Recognizing potential challenges on both sides, we explored the most common issues. We outlined the history of breastfeeding worldwide as well as in our region, exploring and comparing the historical and contemporary durations of breastfeeding while also reviewing the current recommendations in this regard. We also described specific areas of speech-language communication, particularly the speech sound production and the factors known to influence it. Furthermore, we initiated the theoretical background of connections within the orofacial area from the perspective of breastfeeding and speech sound production, which we continued in the empirical part through our research.
The aim of the master's work was to determine the connection between breastfeeding and speech sound production. For this purpose, we obtained data on breastfeeding, its duration, feeding methods, the use of certain aids and oral habits, and children's speech. The empirical part included 2034 children of the ideal age range from 2 to 7 years, for whom parents responded to a specifically designed online questionnaire. In our sample, 92.3% of children were breastfed, with 77.9% still being breastfed at 6 months, and 20.1% continuing to be breastfed after the child's second year. Upon examining a subset of children whose mothers had ceased breastfeeding, we found that 35.4% received a supplemental milk through a bottle, and 58.2% used a pacifier, on average, for 18 months. Validating our hypotheses based on the sample results, we concluded that children who were not breastfed or were breastfed for a shorter duration had a higher likelihood of more frequent pacifier use, inappropriate breathing patterns, difficulties in drinking from a cup, a greater likelihood of difficulties with speech sound production and of requiring speech therapy. In our sample, we also found a strong correlation between a child's breastfeeding difficulties and the need for speech therapy due to speech sound disorders. Children with breastfeeding difficulties underwent speech therapy in 92.3% of cases, while those without difficulties did not require it at all. This suggests potential common primary issues affecting various domains. The obtained results hold significant importance for both specialists and parents, offering insights into the current situation in this area, providing the opportunity for more effective and targeted preventative measures, emphasizing the importance of proper early intervention which addresses primary issues, preventing the development of secondary problems, and possibly contributing to the formulation of guidelines.
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