Increasing OB/GYN Clinic Nursing Staff Knowledge and Comfort Level in Providing Breastfeeding Education

Abstract

There are well known benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child, yet the educational support from providers during prenatal visits is not consistent or well-documented. An educational presentation discussing guidelines of breastfeeding education, common breastfeeding problems and barriers to breastfeeding was developed and presented to a “Baby Friendly” hospital-based OB/GYN clinic staff at an urban St. Louis hospital. The goal was to increase staff knowledge and comfort providing education and resources surrounding breastfeeding to be used to increase discussion of breastfeeding during prenatal and postpartum visits. Evaluation of pre and posttest data showed an increase in knowledge regarding managing breastfeeding concerns and level of comfort providing education. The project succeeded in showing a need for increasing OB appointment time slots at implementation site to allow adequate time for breastfeeding education opportunities