1. Critical analysis of breastfeeding education in the hospital Abigail Sweet URI Undergraduate: College of Nursing
Evaluation of Education
Lactation Experts
~ Jilian Fagre & Beth Collins
Education standards: Baby Friendly USA Guidelines; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
Responsible for educating nursing staff
Advise to begin education prenatally and to provide continuous education with every interaction while in the hospital
Nursing Staff
~ 10 participants
Education Standards:
70% - Baby Friendly USA
30% - Lactation Department
80% report being evaluated in breastfeeding education prior to beginning work
How often is education being provided?
60% - every feeding/encounter
40% - about 6 times per day
100% wanted to learn more about breastfeeding education
Nurses reported
several different
barriers that affect
breastfeeding
education.
Mothers
~ 17 participants
Most participants were
breastfeeding for the first time
How often was breastfeeding
education provided?
41.2% reported daily
35.3% reported 2-4 times daily
23.5% reported every feeding
Regardless if the teaching method involved discussion, handout, or demonstration techniques, 100% reported the teaching effective
Most mothers
felt confident
with the
education they
had been
provided with.
Analysis
Strengths
Majority of nursing staff are:
Aware of the Baby Friendly USA breastfeeding education standards
Evaluated in providing breastfeeding education prior to beginning work
Using a variety of teaching methods
Looking for more information about education
Majority of breastfeeding mothers:
Reported the teaching method used by the nurses effective
Felt confident with the breastfeeding education provided prior to discharge
Supporting Research
mPINC score (0-100) represents the level at which birth facilities in each state provide maternity care supportive of breastfeeding
In 2016, Rhode Island scored a 96 which is the highest in the country (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016)
South County Hospital designated the first Baby FriendlyTM hospital in Rhode Island
Wagner, Bear, & Davidson (2011) measured patient satisfaction with postpartum teaching methods used by nurses
Results: teaching that is tailored to individual needs that is delivered by various methods increases patient satisfaction
Weaknesses
The nurses are not aware of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine education standards
60% of nurses report teaching with every feeding, yet only 23.5% of mothers report being educated with every feeding
17.6% of mothers did not feel confident breastfeeding upon discharge
Addressing barriers to education
Fatigue: Provide adequate periods of rest that are uninterrupted by nursing care
Visitors: Visiting hours should be determined based on individual patients’ needs. Some mothers may need to be supported in establishing reduced visiting hours.
Time Limitations: Develop a schedule and checklist to improve time management
Introduction
The World Health Organization (W.H.O) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016), mothers may not be getting the support they need in the early postpartum period. Designated as a Baby-Friendly hospital, it is imperative to assess the current teaching standards for breastfeeding education at South County Health with an emphasis on the perspectives from new mothers. In conjunction with evidence based practices in research, this poster will critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the breastfeeding education provided. In addition, it is essential to evaluate potential strategies to address and improve areas of weakness in the education.
Discussion
Potential Solutions
Staff competency checklist based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding
Helps to determine staff knowledge and to assist in assessing training needs
Ensure that staff demonstrate current competency in providing breastfeeding care on a regular basis
2. Checklist for mothers prior to discharge
Johnson, Mulder, &Strube (2007) report that breastfeeding assessment may best be accomplished through the use of a checklist to assess maternal knowledge and infant breastfeeding behaviors that demonstrate whether progress toward effective feeding is being made
3. Documentation
According to Weddig, Baker, & Auld (2011), breastfeeding documentation is not in-depth or consistent enough
BF/BFI hospital nurses reported that they need additional education in how to effectively chart feedings
Buchko, Gutshall, & Jordan (2012) report that enhanced documentation can improve efficiency in the patient education process for nurses
4. Other
Improve the breastfeeding content in undergraduate and graduate education and training for health professionals
The key to breastfeeding success lies in providing encouragement and continued support.
Study Limitations: Small sample size
Methods
Foundation
Baby-FriendlyTM
hospitals must
adhere to the
Ten Steps to
Successful
Breastfeeding
which consist of
evidence based
practices shown
to increase
breastfeeding
initiation and
duration.
Analysis of the
education
provided was
based upon
these steps.
Scientific literature review
Current breastfeeding education standards
Patient satisfaction with education
Current breastfeeding trends among new mothers
Interventions to improve teaching
Interviews/Questionnaires
Lactation Consultant experts
Labor/Delivery/Postpartum staff nurses
New mothers breastfeeding their newborn attending the support groups in the hospital
Literature Cited
Buchko, B., Gutshall, C., & Jordan, E. (2012). Improving Quality and Efficiency of Postpartum Hospital
Education. Journal of Perinatal Education, 21(4), /
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Breastfeeding report card: progressing toward
national breastfeeding goals. CDC.gov. Retrieved from
Johnson, T., Mulder, P., & Strube, K. (2007). Mother-infant breastfeeding progress tool: a guide for
education and support of the breastfeeding dyad. JOGNN: Journal Of Obstetric, Gynecologic &
Neonatal Nursing, 36(4), doi: /j x
Wagner, D. L., Bear, M., & Davidson, N. S. (2011). Measuring Patient Satisfaction With Postpartum
Teaching Methods Used by Nurses Within the Interaction Model of Client Health
Behavior. Research & Theory For Nursing Practice, 25(3), doi: /1541-
Weddig, J., Baker, S. S., & Auld, G. (2011). Perspectives of Hospital-Based Nurses on Breastfeeding
Initiation Best Practices. JOGNN: Journal Of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 40(2),
doi: /j x
Acknowledgements
Sponsor: Jilian Fagre, The College of Nursing
Women and Newborn Care Unit, South County Health
New Mom’s Support Group, South County Health