Education Program Improves Knowledge of Maternity Staff Regarding Breastfeeding

Poster PresentationPurpose for the ProgramLouisiana (LA) breastfeeding rates are among the lowest in the United States, and associated infant mortality and morbidity rates are among the highest. To increase the knowledge of maternity nursing staff regarding breastfeeding and improve attitudes towards implementing evidence‐based maternity practices that facilitate breastfeeding, a six contact‐hour program promoting LA's breastfeeding initiative, The Guided Infant Feeding Techniques (GIFT) was developed. The 10 steps of GIFT are based on the Baby Friendly USA Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding with maternity nursing staff education identified as a critical component.Proposed ChangeTo increase staff knowledge and improve attitudes and self‐efficacy of nurses in implementing the criteria for GIFT hospital certification, which is a stepping stone to Baby Friendly designation.Implementation, Outcomes, and EvaluationThe GIFT nursing staff program “Promoting Evidence‐Based Breastfeeding Support in Louisiana: The GIFT” was presented to 1086 participants in 35 hospitals across LA from November 2008 to February 2012.Pretests and identical posttests were provided. Posttest scores were significantly higher after each session in each program (p < .01). The mean score of each LA public health region posttest was greater than 95%, which is an increase of more than 25% from pretest scores. Participant evaluations identified positive ratings for the program having increased k...
Source: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Newborn Care Source Type: research