The Effects of Early Lactation Support on Breastfeeding Exclusivity Rates

Abstract Problem Breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months of a child’s life is the recommendation across medical professionals. Unfortunately, exclusive breastfeeding rates are on the decline due to insufficient support, lack of self-efficacy and inadequate hospital interventions. Methods For this quality improvement (QI) project, a descriptive observational study design was used to identify appropriate participants who were planning to have a full-term, healthy, exclusively breastfed newborn. Within one hour after delivery, a lactation specialist provided the mother with breastfeeding education and assistance with the initial latching process. At the time of discharge, data was collected to examine if the mother/baby dyad had continued to exclusively breastfeed, without formula supplementation, at the time of hospital discharge. Results A total of 13 participants were included in the QI project. Sixty-nine percent of participants were exclusively breastfeeding at hospital discharge and thirty-one percent of participants had introduce formula supplementation by the time of discharge. Implications for Practice Findings showed an increase in exclusive breastfeeding rates for the participants after receiving additional education on why breastfeeding is important and how to properly breastfeed a newborn. A continued increase in hospital interventions for lactation support, such as this QI project, could allow women and newborns to continue to breastfeed while feeling supported and confident during their breastfeeding journey