Changing Breastfeeding Culture through Staff Training

Poster PresentationPurpose for the ProgramBreastfeeding provides protection against a multitude of illnesses for the mother and infant. Implementation of the World Health Organization's Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding has been proved to increase breastfeeding rates. The purpose of this program was to develop a comprehensive curriculum to provide knowledge and skills to assist staff in implementing practices to support breastfeedingProposed ChangeWomen & Infants Hospital (WIH) is known as a premier hospital for women and newborns with approximately 8400 births per year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that Rhode Island ranks 34th nationally and has the lowest breastfeeding rates in New England. Because 73% of infants born in Rhode Island are born at WIH, it was clear that we needed to increase our hospital breastfeeding rate. We proposed implementing the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding in our institution. Staff believed that current non‐evidence‐based practices where best and struggled over the fear of creating guilt for new mothers. It was clear that staff needed knowledge, practice in counseling skills, and support in shifting practices.Implementation, Outcomes, and EvaluationThe education model developed consisted of multiple layers to allow for different learning styles and staff comfort level. The initial education consisted of computerized modules outlining the maternity care practices that support breastfeeding. Once completed...
Source: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Newborn Care Source Type: research