Increasing Initiation and Exclusivity of Breastfeeding in the Hospitalized Postpartum Dyad

Although research and national standards promote early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, there continues to be a significant number of women who do not breastfeed and/or supplement with formula. The advantages of breastfeeding for mother and infant are substantial and include protecting babies from allergens to reducing maternal breast and ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, breastfeeding rates of initiation and exclusivity are below the targets set by international, national and state agencies. This project highlights an intervention to increase breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding during the birth hospitalization in a coastal mid-Atlantic inner city hospital. The intervention utilized bedside RNs who were educated and trained by the author (the Perinatal Unit Clinical Nurse Specialist) and the unit lactation counselors on bedside lactation support. The educational intervention capitalized on Dennis’s theory of breast-feeding self-efficacy which emphasizes maternal confidence in breastfeeding success. A convenience sample of one month’s delivered mothers pre-intervention compared to one month’s delivered mothers post-intervention formed the data points in this quality improvement project utilizing an evidence based practice change.