Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons^™

The Impact Of Kangaroo Care On Exclusive Breastfeeding In Premature Infants, Colleen Larue

MSN Capstone Projects

This benchmark project emphasizes the crucial imperative of promoting exclusive breastfeeding among preterm and low birth weight infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Despite the well-documented benefits, exclusive breastfeeding rates remain disappointingly low. This evidence-based project focuses on early intervention through kangaroo care to bolster exclusive breastfeeding rates, with the overarching aim of enhancing infant outcomes and mitigating risks of mortality and morbidity. Engaging key stakeholders, including NICU leadership, nursing staff, lactation consultants, and families, is paramount for the successful implementation of the program. The project presents a detailed implementation plan encompassing various phases, from admission procedures to sustainability …

Factors Associated With Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice Of Exclusively Breastfeeding Palestinian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study, Ramzi Shawahna, Mohammad A. Jaber, Hatim Hijaz, Loaa Haj-Yehia, Nashwa Nserat, Nour Bana, Iyad Maqboul

Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal

This study identified the factors associated with adequate knowledge, attitude, and practice of exclusively breastfeeding women who visit maternity healthcare clinics in Palestine. This study was conducted in a cross-sectional design. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the data. The women were recruited from different maternity care and primary healthcare clinics. In this study, 51 (51.0%) of the exclusively breastfeeding women reported that they did not receive counseling on breastfeeding from healthcare providers on the last visit to the maternity clinic before delivery, and 43 (43.0%) of the women reported that they did not receive counseling on breastfeeding from …

Breastfeeding Support In Your Pocket: Evaluating The Impact Of A Mobile App On Maternal Success, Maygan Brandt

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Breastfeeding has well-known benefits for both the nursing infant and the birthing parent. It bolsters the newborn immune system, and reduces the risk of future health conditions in both parties. Due to these advantages, several health organizations internationally recommend exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age. However, only a fraction of infants in the United States meet this goal each year. Improved rates and duration of exclusive breastfeeding will lead to better long-term health outcomes for patients. The use of smartphone applications for breastfeeding education and support has not been thoroughly researched. Objective: This thesis explores the feasibility of …

Study Protocol For A Stepped-Wedge Cluster (Nested) Randomized Controlled Trial Of Antenatal Colostrum Expression (Ace) Instruction In First-Time Mothers: The Ace Study, Cassandra Cuffe, Roslyn Giglia, Matthew N. Cooper, Julie Hill, Desiree Silva, Anita M. Moorhead, Valerie Verhasselt, Joshua R. Lewis, Deborah Ireson, Jill R. Demirci, Talea Cotte, Kathryn Webb, Frances Patey, Therese A. O’Sullivan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Although many mothers initiate breastfeeding, supplementation with human-milk substitutes (formula) during the birth hospitalization is common and has been associated with early breastfeeding cessation. Colostrum hand expressed in the last few weeks before birth, known as antenatal colostrum expression (ACE), can be used instead of human-milk substitutes. However, evidence is lacking on the efficacy of ACE on breastfeeding outcomes and in non-diabetic mothers. Methods and Planned Analysis: This multicenter stepped-wedge cluster (nested) randomized controlled trial aims to recruit 945 nulliparous pregnant individuals. The trial is conducted in two phases. During Phase 1, control group participants are under standard care. …

World Allergy Organization (Wao) Diagnosis And Rationale For Action Against Cow's Milk Allergy (Dracma) Guidelines Update – X – Breastfeeding A Baby With Cow's Milk Allergy, Vicki Mcwilliam, Merryn Netting, Evelyn Volders, Debra Palmer, Ignacio Ansotegui, Stefania Arasi, Amal H. Assa'ad, Sami L. Bahna, Antonio Bognanni, Rose Kamenwa

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Cow’s milk allergy is rare in exclusively breastfed infants. To support the continuation of breastfeeding an infant after diagnosis with a cow’s milk allergy, it is critical to examine the evidence for and against any form of cow’s milk elimination diet for lactating mothers. In this narrative review, we highlight the lack of high-quality evidence, hence subsequent controversy, regarding whether the minuscule quantities of cow’s milk proteins detectable in human milk cause infant cow’s milk allergy symptoms. Current clinical practice recommendations advise a 2–4 week trial of maternal cow’s milk dietary elimination for: a) IgE-mediated cow’s milk allergy only if …

Improving Breastfeeding Rates Through Education, Julianna Youssef

Doctoral Projects

Background: Breastfeeding is beneficial for newborn babies, but there are many challenges that new mothers face that prevent them from exclusively breastfeeding.
Objective: To evaluate if re-educational training in RN’s and LVN’s is an effective way to increase the exclusive breastfeeding rates in the hospital setting.
Methods: We utilized a pretest/post-test quasi-experimental design and had the goal sample size was about 50 nurses. The nurses were given an educational PowerPoint at a monthly staff meeting. Pretests were given to the staff immediately before and posttests two weeks later. Additionally, exclusive breastfeeding rates were monitored for the three months before the …

Tiny Tusk Internship: Barriers To Effective Breastfeeding Within Low Socioeconomic Populations, Catherine Johnson

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Tiny Tusk Breastfeeding and Infant Support is a program created to facilitate safe and quiet places for mothers to breastfeed at various events at the University of Arkansas. It serves as a platform to spread important and essential information about breastfeeding to mothers and reach various women all from different backgrounds and populations. The purpose of this review of literature is to identify barriers that women within low socioeconomic populations face that influence their decision to breastfeed. These barriers included lack of social support from family, friends, and healthcare providers; latch difficulty; and concerns of milk supply. Altogether, low-income women …

Increasing Exclusive Breastfeeding: Baby-Friendly Initiatives, Courtney Ragsdell

Honors Theses

This research investigates the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and Baby-Friendly Community Initiative on increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates; it also suggests a plan for implementing the Baby-Friendly Community Initiative protocols within a small community.

Effectiveness Of Follow Up Phone Calls On Postpartum Women After Discharge: A Program Evaluation, Camille Williams

Dissertations

After an expectant mother gives birth, they are closely monitored for 48 to 72 hours after delivery and then discharged from the hospital. They are then typically seen by their physician for a postpartum follow up appointment within six to eight weeks for their postpartum follow up visit. Although complications during this postpartum period can still arise, postpartum women are rarely assessed during this time. Follow-up phone calls have been known to improve patient outcomes and communication between patients and providers once patients are discharged from the hospital. In January of 2020, the Mother/Baby Unit at a midwestern metropolitan hospital …

The Effect Of Delivery Method On Breastfeeding Initiation And Duration, Mariana Carina Benitez

Nursing | Student Research Posters

There is a plethora of research focusing on the physical effects of each delivery method on a mother’s ability to initiate and sustain breastfeeding, however, there may be more psychosocial factors that influence a mothers decision to start and continue breastfeeding once they deliver. It is very common to be educated about breastfeeding after the baby has already been delivered, but it is often missed that education before may improve breastfeeding rates and increase mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy rates. The primary purpose of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of breastfeeding support groups that provide information, guidance, and social support …

Making Breastfeeding Easier With Clinician Support, Katherine Laney

MSN Capstone Projects

This benchmark project provides a template for how to implement clinician support and education in an organization with obstetric and pediatric clinics and a hospital based on the PICOT: In first-time breastfeeding mothers (P), how does clinician driven support and education during the perinatal period (I) compared to no clinician assistance (C) affect the rate of continued breastfeeding (O) within the first 3 months postpartum (T). Research demonstrates that increased clinician support and education provided to the mothers during the perinatal period increases breastfeeding rates and self-efficacy. The project would initially last for approximately 12 weeks and follow women from …

The Lived Experiences Of Icu, Med-Surg, And Er Nurses In The United States Attempting To Breastfeed During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Amy Seay

Dissertations

Breastfeeding is important to promote the health of both mothers and babies (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Many mothers experience workplace barriers and stress which negatively impact breastfeeding duration (McCardel & Padilla, 2020; Nagel et al., 2022). However, a gap in the literature exists surrounding specific barriers and the impact of stress on U.S. nurses who breastfeed. Specifically, workplace challenges and stress among nurses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic lack exploration.

This interpretive phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of ICU, Med-Surg, and ER nurses who attempted to breastfeed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Roy’s adaptation model was …

Lactation Support On Low-Income Women Exclusively Breastfeeding, Ashley Holmes, Kayla Lorenc, Morgan Ireland, Camryn Brown, Ashley M. Holmes

Non-Thesis Student Work

Low-socioeconomic-status new mothers who wish to exclusively breastfeed, face significant challenges associated with available resources, finances, and maternal leave. To address this issue, the authors explored the following evidence-based PICOT question: among low-socioeconomic-status new mothers that breastfeed, does access to lactation supports in the workplace, compared to no or limited access, affect their ability to exclusively breastfeed for the baby’s first six months? This project conducted a search of the literature in CINAHL and PubMed databases using the terms breastfeeding, low-socioeconomic-status, and workplace lactational support. Inclusion criteria included peer-reviewed articles published between 2017 to present, containing keywords/phrases …

Effect Of Antenatal Milk Expression Education On Lactation Outcomes In Birthing People With Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index ≥ 25: Protocol For A Randomized, Controlled Trial, Jill R. Demirci, Melissa Glasser, Debra L. Bogen, Susan M. Sereika, Dianxu Ren, Kristin Ray, Lisa M. Bodnar, Therese A. O'Sullivan, Katherine Himes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Birthing people with pre-pregnancy body mass indices (BMIs) ≥ 25 kg/m2, particularly those without prior breastfeeding experience, are at increased risk for suboptimal lactation outcomes. Antenatal milk expression (AME) may be one way to counteract the negative effects of early infant formula supplementation common in this population. Methods: This ongoing, randomized controlled trial in the United States evaluates the efficacy of a telelactation-delivered AME education intervention versus an attention control condition on lactation outcomes to 1 year postpartum among 280 nulliparous-to-primiparous, non-diabetic birthing people with pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. The assigned study treatment is delivered via four weekly …

Exclusive Breastfeeding Versus Formula Feeding: Evaluating The Development Of Childhood Allergies, Jasmine Olshin, Anna Kousky, Lily Williams, Michael Mark

Non-Thesis Student Work

Allergies such as dietary, allergic rhinitis, allergy-related asthma, and atopic dermatitis have become increasingly prevalent in childhood and pose a public health concern – especially as severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are rising among children. Exclusive breastfeeding and formula feeding are two common infant feeding practices, but their role in influencing the development of childhood allergies are not entirely understood. Thus, the question is raised as to whether infants who are exclusively breastfed are at a decreased risk for developing childhood allergies, compared to infants who are formula fed. A literature search was conducted utilizing relevant databases PubMed, BioMed …

The Impact Of Student-Led Lactation Education On Self-Efficacy In Clinical Simulation: An Integrative Literature Review, Kaitlyn Flores Yu

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Simulation is a critical component of nursing education. It provides a safe environment to practice and evaluate skills, supplements clinical hours, and removes barriers to a well-rounded education. Nurses are expected to be educators as part of our scope of practice, and simulation can facilitate this. One topic of nursing importance is lactation education, as breastfeeding has been shown to have multiple benefits for both mother and baby. National rates of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months do not currently meet CDC recommendations. The pedagogy known as the Protégé Effect suggests that learning can be improved through teaching. Breastfeeding …

Tiny Tusks Internship: The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status And Breastfeeding Barriers, Blair Finlinson

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Tiny Tusks is a breastfeeding and infant support program developed by the nursing program at University of Arkansas. From 2021-2022, I have had the opportunity to complete my honors internship with this organization. Tiny Tusks was started with the goal of creating safe spaces for mothers to breastfeed and/or pump during school sporting events, along with providing up to date information on breastfeeding and infant safety practices. Tiny Tusks also provides changing tables, spaces for young children to decompress in a low-stimulation environment.

Association Between Breastfeeding, Oxytocin, And Risk Of Postpartum Hemorrhage, Jordan Davis, Sophia Nelson

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Rates of maternal morbidity and mortality are far too high in the United States compared to other developed countries. Additionally, breastfeeding is often poorly prioritized, leading to a negative community connotation and low rates of exclusive breastfeeding. The purpose of this study was to compile the available research on breastfeeding initiation and its association with risk for postpartum hemorrhage. Fifteen peer-reviewed articles were collected from databases and other scholarly articles and screened for correlation between breastfeeding and maternal health risk. Overall, many articles suggest that skin-to-skin contact and early initiation of breastfeeding may be the most effective way to reduce …

Tiny Tusks Breastfeeding And Infant Support: Breastfeeding's Effects On Maternal Mental Health, Anna Jacobs

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Breastfeeding has proven to be beneficial for infant health and maternal physical health, but there are variable outcomes for maternal mental health. This literature review explores the relationship between breastfeeding and maternal mental health, a topic that is often disregarded when discussing breastfeeding with mothers. After an internship with Tiny Tusks Breastfeeding and Infant Support, a program to make breastfeeding more accessible at Razorback Athletics events, maternal mental health related to breastfeeding was shown to be a topic in need of more current research. This objective of this literature review was to determine how breastfeeding can impact maternal mental health …

Increasing Nurse Awareness Of A Breastfeeding And Substance Use Disorder Guideline To Improve Rates Of Breast Milk And Skin To Skin Usage: A Quality Improvement Initiative​, Makenna R. Black, Alexandria L. Tasket, Megan L. Young, Tracy L. Brewer

Graduate Publications and Other Selected Works - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) is related to opioid exposure in utero, and cases of NOWS have been increasing. In Tennessee in 2020, 824 newborns were born with NOWS. NOWS treatment involves pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment. Breastfeeding, a nonpharmacological treatment, decreases the need and length for pharmacological treatment, the length of stay, and NOWS symptoms. Skin-to-skin may also reduce symptoms of NOWS. This quality improvement (QI) project involved implementing an Opioid Use Disorder Toolkit from the Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care (TIPQC) and specifically educating staff nurses in a Women and Infant’s Department in a regional medical center on …

Prenatal Education For Black Mothers And Their Support Persons As An Intervention For Improving Initiation Of Breastfeeding, Sandra King

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: The benefits of breastfeeding are commonly known; however, the rates of exclusive breastfeeding among the Black community are less than those of other ethnic groups. Providing breastmilk or formula to an infant is an individual decision. Influential factors such as cultural background, employment status, socioeconomic status, level of education, and availability of support from family members and health care providers correlate with the method a mother chooses to feed her infant. Increasing breastfeeding initiation immediately after birth is a necessary precedent for uptake in the exclusivity of breastfeeding.

Purpose: This Doctor of Nursing Practice project aims to improve prenatal …

Tiny Tusks Internship: Barriers To Breastfeeding Surrounding Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Brianna Purser, Quinn Owen

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

It is known that breastfeeding is beneficial to mothers and their children, and it is recommended that mothers exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of their infant's life. Despite this, in the United States only 1 in 4 infants is exclusively breastfed for the first six months. After being an intern for Tiny Tusks Breastfeeding and Infant Support, a program designed to facilitate and educate about breastfeeding, we have seen firsthand the barriers to breastfeeding. The goal of this literature review was to investigate barriers to breastfeeding specifically surrounding neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and how to address those …

Tiny Tusks Internship: Barriers To Breastfeeding Surrounding Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Quinn Owen, Brianna Purser

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Breastfeeding has proven itself beneficial to both baby and mother for many reasons. However, many mothers do not breastfeed their infants. In fact, only 1 in 4 mothers breastfeed for the first 6 months of life. Experiences in the clinical setting and knowledge gained as interns for Tiny Tusks, a breastfeeding and infant support group for sporting events at the University of Arkansas, sparked the desire to understand the staggering statistic.This literature review seeks to understand barriers to breastfeeding, specifically, barriers to breastfeeding as it pertains to neonatal intensive care units (NICU).

Knowledge And Practices On The Prevention And Management Of Diarrhea In Children Under-2 Years Among Women Dwelling In Urban Slums Of Karachi, Pakistan, Asif Khaliq, Amreen 1, Nazia Jameel, Stefanie J. Krauth

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death especially among children. The age-proportionate mortality of diarrheal disease in infants under 2 years is 72%, among children under 5 years of age. Children living in urban slums are more prone to develop diarrhea. Although the disease can be prevented by many simple cost-effective interventions, i.e. proper sanitation and hygiene, appropriate feeding, and timely vaccination, poverty and lack of basic life amenities often potentiate diarrhea mortality. Gadap town is the largest town of Karachi with a deprived health system. This study aims to assess pediatric diarrhea prevalence and related knowledge-practice gaps …

Women’S Experiences Of Accessing Breastfeeding And Perinatal Health Support In The Context Of Intimate Partner Violence: An Interpretive Description Study, Samantha Larose

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Background: Women experiencing intimate partner violence are at a heightened risk of negative perinatal and breastfeeding outcomes. This study explored the experiences of accessing breastfeeding support for women who endorse a history of intimate partner violence. A study of five in-depth semi-structured interviews were completed at 12-weeks postpartum with breastfeeding mothers with a history of intimate partner violence. Findings: Women expressed difficulties in accessing a healthcare provider who had specialized skill in breastfeeding support. Trust in their healthcare provider, built through displays of compassion and competence, was important to mitigate obstacles experienced during care access for this population. Trauma-and-violence-informed care …

Prenatal Perception Of Wic Breastfeeding Recommendation Predicts Breastfeeding Outcomes In Infant's First Year, Joanne Guthrie, Qi Zhang, Kelin Li, Kathryn Wouk, Rajan Lamichhane

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Objectives

Promoting breastfeeding (BF) is a priority of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Prior research found that pregnant mothers who believed WIC recommends BF only (versus BF and formula equally OK) were more likely to initiate BF and continue through 1 month postpartum. We examine whether such mothers are more likely to continue to exclusively BF through 5 months and BF at all through the infant's first year. Methods

Data are from the WIC Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2 (ITFPS-2), a longitudinal study that includes 2,649 mothers who completed prenatal interviews. Four BF …

Improving Breastfeeding Establishment By Reducing The Use Of Bottles And Artificial Nipples With Medically Needed Supplementation In Full-Term Breastfed Infants: A Quality Improvement Project, Sara Fazzi Garcia

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Breastfeeding has long been strongly recommended by national and international organizations as a prevention of many common and chronic diseases. Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was developed to motivate hospitals to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. This Quality Improvement (QI) project aims at supporting the continuation of the Baby-Friendly designation at the organization is being implemented, by focusing on reducing the use of bottles and artificial nipples for medically necessary supplementation for full-term breastfed newborns.

Methods: The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework was utilized to guide this quality improvement project.

Intervention: Educational posters on the interference of the use …

Increasing Lactation Consultant Support To The Mch Unit, Daniella Grace Mcclendon

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Breastfeeding is the most beneficial feeding choice for newborns and one of the best ways for mothers to bond with their newborns. In the current Maternal Child Health (MCH) unit, exclusive breastfeeding rates have fallen lower than the unit’s goal of 82%.

Context: Exclusive breastfeeding, when a newborn consumes only human breastmilk, is not always an easy process to initiate immediately after birth and in the early postpartum period. On this specific unit, there is not enough lactation consultant support to provide all patients on the unit.

Interventions: This project considers adding additional lactation consultants to support the MCH …

Intention To Breastfeed: Breastfeeding Attitudes, Norms, Self-Efficacy, Social Support Network And Community Resources Of African American, Low-Income, Emerging Adult Women, Pregnant For The First Time, Sara E. Brown

Theses & Dissertations

African American (AA) women continue to have the lowest rates of breastfeeding. This continues to create a health disparity even though breastfeeding is extensively recognized in the scientific and health care communities as the optimal feeding choice for infants. This study examined the relationship between the external variables (social support network and community resources) and the explanatory variables (attitudes, norms, and perceived self-efficacy) and intention to breastfeed, for the AA, first time, low-income, emerging adult pregnant woman. The Integrated Behavior Model (IBM) was used as the theoretical framework to guide this study in better understanding the variables influencing breastfeeding intention. …

Breastfeeding In Public And The Impact Of Mass Media On Breastfeeding: An Expanded Literature Review, Hannah Underwood

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

The choice a mother makes to breastfeed or to formula feed is a hotly debated topic in the United States today. The benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby are undeniable, but breastfeeding is difficult for some due to a plethora of barriers, notably a lack of social support. This literature review evaluates attitudes towards breastfeeding in public and how varying mass media formats can impact perceptions of breastfeeding and potentially breastfeeding implementation. Twenty articles with both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained from Medline Complete EBSCO Host and PubMed for a comprehensive analysis. Among 283 total articles retrieved, …