Lactation consultants, counselors, and supporters’ experiences providing care and services to mothers in Appalachia

Although there are many known health benefits to breastfeeding for both the infant and mother, several factors influence the decision or ability to breastfeed. Healthy People 2020 set goals to reduce barriers to breastfeeding and increase the proportion of infants who are breastfed (Healthy People, 2020). While there are improvements in breastfeeding rates nationwide, the Appalachian Region continues to have lower breastfeeding rates compared to the rest of the United States (Machado et al., 2014). In order to improve breastfeeding rates in Appalachia, it is important to understand the experiences of lactation consultants, counselors, and supporters (LCCS) who provide lactation and breastfeeding information and support to mothers and families. The purpose of this study is to explore the sociocultural, community and family barriers that a diverse range of people including lactation consultants, counselors, and supporters (LCCS) face when providing support in the Appalachian Region. The hope of this research project is to inform future Appalachian-specific funding about the identified challenges LCCS face when providing care and suggested changes to improved breastfeeding practices in Appalachia.Bachelor of Science in Public Healt