Reflections On Labor And Delivery Internship, Olivia Ozier

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study is a literature review that examines the characteristics of an effective hospice and palliative care nurse. The purpose of this study is to discover what qualities make a satisfactory hospice and palliative care nurse; therefore, characterizing it as a qualitative study. It is concluded that the following attributes are beneficial for a hospice and palliative care nurse: compassion, knowledge, confidence, and support. When delivering end-of-life care, a nurse should use therapeutic communication and be exemplary in handling grief. Compassion can be shown by active listening and acknowledging the patient’s and caregiver’s concerns. Being knowledgeable entails that the nurse …

The Effect Of Breastfeeding Education In African American Women On Initiation And Duration Of Breastfeeding, Shalawn F. Harris

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This Doctor of Nursing Practice scholarly project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of breastfeeding education in African American women on the initiation and duration of breastfeeding. Studies demonstrated that breastfeeding education by providers and a breastfeeding support network positively influenced breastfeeding initiation and continuation in African American women. Breastfeeding education containing information on the decreased risk of breast cancer in African American women may be an even greater motivator for breastfeeding. Participants for this project were African American women, ages 18–50, in their last trimester of pregnancy. The project was approved to be implemented at an urban clinic in …

Workplace Lactation Support And Breastfeeding Practices In Employed Mothers, Robin Ray

Theses and Dissertations--Nursing

Low rates of breastfeeding are a global public health issue. Despite national and international health agency recommendations for breastfeeding until infants are six months of age when solid foods are introduced and continued breastfeeding until 12 months of age or older, many mothers in the United States discontinue breastfeeding at an early age. Return to work after childbirth is one of the leading contributing factors to early cessation of breastfeeding in employed mothers. Understanding the association between individual and organizational factors and breastfeeding practices in employed mothers is essential for the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and policies to …

Fathers’ Experiences Of Feeding Their Extremely Preterm Infants In Family-Centred Neonatal Intensive Care: A Qualitative Study, Evalotte Mörelius, Sofia Brogren, Sandra Andersson, Siw Alehagen

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background:

Extremely preterm infants need advanced intensive care for survival and are usually not discharged before they reach the time of expected birth. In a family-centred neonatal intensive care unit both parents are involved at all levels of care including the feeding process. However, studies focusing on fathers in this situation are scarce. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of feeding extremely preterm infants in a neonatal intensive care unit from fathers’ perspectives.

Methods:

The study adopts a qualitative inductive method, reported according to the COREQ checklist. Seven fathers of extremely preterm infants (gestational age 24–27 …

Standardizing Assessment And Management Of Ankyloglossia, Marcia Nicole Cowen

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Ankyloglossia, which is characterized by a short, tight or thick lingual frenulum, can negatively impact breastfeeding. It has been recognized as a problem for centuries. Frenotomies have traditionally been performed to remove the lingual frenulum when indicated. The use of frenotomies and a focus on ankyloglossia fell out of favor in the twentieth century with renewed attention in the past several decades. Limited high-quality studies have been undertaken on ankyloglossia. There remains no standardized diagnosis or management recommendations. In efforts to promote a standardized approach that is based on current knowledge, this study will involve an educational in-service on ankyloglossia, …

Lowering Antibiotic Resistance Utilizing Breastmilk, Moriah J. Harris

Honors College Theses

Antibiotic resistance is considered an emerging crisis in the healthcare world. This crisis has the potential to cause many bacterial diseases that cannot be cured using antibiotic drugs, which can lead to serious infections and death. There have been numerous studies that have found that sugars, proteins and protein-lipid complexes in breastmilk have antimicrobial properties. It has been proposed that these properties in breastmilk can help solve the antibacterial resistance crisis. This research project involved studying antibiotic resistance and how breastmilk can help solve this increasingly prevalent problem.

The implementation step of this research project involved a PowerPoint presentation detailing …

Dnp Final Report: Building A Comprehensive Guideline To Improve The Treatment Of Infants With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: An Evidence-Based Innovation Project, Cyndi B. Kelley

DNP Final Reports

Background: The incidence of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) has increased nationally; however, only 55% of NICUs indicated having a written NAS treatment plan as recommended by the American Association of Pediatrics. Current practice included symptom management via morphine only; however, non-pharmacological interventions were not routinely delivered.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to standardize and improve the care provided to patients with NAS.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted using keywords and subject headings from the PICOT question. Retrieved synthesized evidence suggested that adding breastfeeding and rooming-in as first-line treatment options reduced the length of hospital stay and medication …

Tiny Tusks: Breastfeeding And Infant Support Internship Review, Blair Wilhelm

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Tiny Tusks: Breastfeeding and Infant Support is a tent and lactation room at University of Arkansas athletic events such as men's basketball and football games that allows moms that are breastfeeding a comfortable and private area. Tiny Tusks aims to empower and educate moms about the benefits of breastfeeding and decrease the stigma behind it. The tent offers comfortable chairs, a changing table, arts and crafts for younger kids and educational pamphlets and brochures. Tiny Tusks is run by certified lactation consultants, BSN honors students and Eleanor Mann School of Nursing faculty. Participants were asked to fill out a survey …

Implementation Of Tiny Tusks: A Breastfeeding And Infant Support Space At The University Of Arkansas Athletic Events, Brittany Lyons

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

This honors thesis focuses on my internship of assisting in the design and management of a breastfeeding and infant support space at home athletic events at The University of Arkansas with emphasis on the importance and the promotion of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding provides a wide variety of benefits for mother and infant and I have been honored to work and assist in building Tiny Tusks Breastfeeding and Infant Support Tent and the implementation of these ideas. This honors internship has allowed me to increase my knowledge on the positive aspects of breastfeeding, as well as promote community involvement by collaborating with …

Evaluation Of A Text Messaging Intervention For Breastfeeding Women Experiencing Breast And Nipple Symptoms, Rose Lisi

Honors Scholar Theses

Background: Nipple and breast pain while breastfeeding is a common reason why women stop breastfeeding earlier than they would have liked to. Texting is effective as a long-term intervention to support breastfeeding.

Objectives: To examine the effect of texting to support mothers to manage their breast and nipple symptoms and pain.

Method: A secondary analysis of a pilot randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of a breastfeeding self-management (BSM) intervention using texting to provide strategies for mothers to manage their breast and nipple pain. A three-group comparison, the intervention group with “barriers” and “non-barrier”, and the control group, was conducted …

Developing Lactation Support In A Primary Care Pediatric Office, Charlotte Minnema

Doctoral Projects

Background: Breast milk is known to be the best nutrition for infants, and experts recommend to exclusively breastfeed through the first six months of life and provide breastmilk through at least the first year of a child’s life (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2012). The United States is currently not achieving its breastfeeding goals set out in Healthy People 2020 by the US Department of Health and Human Services (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014). The integration of Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) into primary care pediatrics offices has been shown to increase all breastfeeding rates (Witt, Smith, Mason, …

Educational Interventions For Women And Their Support Persons On Breastfeeding Outcomes, Alexandra Cordell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

n the United States breastfeeding duration and exclusivity rates are not at ideal levels, therefore there is a need to examine existing interventions. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effects of education and support interventions during the third trimester, immediate postpartum, and the first six months of life on breastfeeding duration and exclusivity from six weeks to six months. Inclusion criteria were (a) randomized controlled trials or controlled clinical trials, (b) pregnant and/or postpartum women, (c) lactation education and support interventions, (d) measurement of breastfeeding outcomes from six weeks to six months, and (e) published between …

Effects Of Nonpharmacological Interventions On Outcomes In Neonates With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: A Systematic Review, Alexandrea Gray, Rachel Smith, Trina Miller, Nina Vaccaro, Ashlyn Milhoan

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a growing issue in today’s society, especially in women of the childbearing age who use substances during pregnancy. As use of substances, such as opiates, increases in the United States, the healthcare industry has noticed a significant rise in the number of neonates born with symptoms of NAS withdrawal. Through the analysis and synthesis of research, the purpose of this paper is to appraise the evidence regarding the effects of supplemental nonpharmacological interventions, specifically rooming-in and breastfeeding, compared to standard pharmacological treatment, on NAS withdrawal symptoms. Twenty peer-reviewed research studies conducted between 2010 and 2018 …

Breastfeeding Issues Leading To Early Cessation, Brandy Kirstein

DNP Research Projects

Breastfeeding has come to the forefront in modern research as a necessary and important phenomenon to understand and address due to the vast amount of evidence revealing its health benefits for both Mom and baby. Disparities exist related to socioeconomic status, education level, poverty, young age, obesity, alcohol use, smoking, and living in rural areas. This project aims to discover the areas that need the most awareness and change specific to the state of Tennessee to increase the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding for six months (EBF6) creating healthier future generations and society. This project was a non-experimental, retrospective, correlational design, …

Implementing A Community-Based Breastfeeding And Infant Support Tent At University Of Arkansas Athletic Events, Moranda Clark

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Breastfeeding is such an important role in a mother and baby’s relationship as it establishes a unique bond while also providing health benefits for both parties involved. Unfortunately, many women are discriminated against for trying to breastfeed in public and with little to no designated breastfeeding areas or sanitary places in such spaces; they are left with very few viable options. During the last year I have been completing an internship surrounding the subject of breastfeeding and have helped to implement a breastfeeding and infant support tent at University of Arkansas athletic events. My work has included extensive research, lactation …

The Lived Experience Of African American First-Time Breastfeeding Mothers At A Baby Friendly Hospital, Catherine A. Hagerty

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research study was to explore the lived experiences of African-American first-time mothers at a hospital following the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) guidelines to promote breastfeeding. Breastfeeding rates for African-American mothers are lower than other racial groups. BFHI institutions offer breastfeeding support through adaptation of a set of practices designed to promoted exclusive breastfeeding. Reflection on this experience allows discovery of approaches that help both nurses and patients. The study methodology used is qualitative phenomenology developed by van Maned (1990) with its’ philosophical origin in the work of Merleau-Ponty (2008). Participants were nine first-time mothers who …

Pilot Study Of A Breastfeeding Support Training Program Designed Particularly For Infants With Common Congenital Anomalies And Defects, Gretchen Nelson Ezaki

Doctoral Projects

The American Academy of Pediatrics (American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP], 2018), the World Health Organization (World Health Organization [WHO)], 2018), and The March of Dimes (March of Dimes, 2016) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. In 2014, 79% of women in the United States began breastfeeding their infants, but only 40.7% and 18.8% continued breastfeeding exclusively at three and six months respectively (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). This doctoral project promotes breastfeeding by creating and testing simple teaching algorithms for training registered nurses to support breastfeeding, including for infants with trisomy 21, congenital heart …

Metabolism During Pregnancy And Postpartum: How Does It Change And What Factors Influence It?, Kristin Yoho

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

PURPOSE: Pregnancy is a physically impactful process in a woman’s life. During this time, a woman will gain weight and research has shown that many women will retain some extra weight after delivery. Because of this, recovery in the postpartum period is pivotal to avoiding the implications of weight retention. The postpartum period is vastly understudied in both the research and medical communities and this gap between pregnancy and postpartum research needs to be bridged. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate metabolic changes from pregnancy to postpartum and to study how factors such as sleep and breastfeeding …

Impact Of Donor Milk On Short- And Long-Term Growth Of Very Low Birth Weight Infants, Rebecca Hoban, Michael E. Schoeny, Anita Esquerra-Zwiers, Tanyaporn K. Kaenkumchorn, Gina Casini, Grace Tobin, Alan H. Siegel, Kousiki Patra, Matthew Hamilton, Jennifer Wicks, Paula Meier, Aloka L. Patel

Faculty Publications

Mother’s own milk (MOM) reduces the risk of morbidities in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. When MOM is unavailable, donor breastmilk (DM) is used, with unclear impact on short- and long-term growth. This retrospective analysis compared anthropometric data at six time points from birth to 20–24 months corrected age in VLBW infants who received MOM supplements of preterm formula (n = 160) versus fortified DM (n = 161) during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization. The cohort was 46% female; mean birth weight and gestational age (GA) were 998 g and 27.3 weeks. Multilevel linear growth models assessed changes …

Long-Term Effects Of Breastfeeding Compared With Alternative Food Sources: A Systematic Review, Charlotte Bates

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The topic of the long-term impact of breast milk and alternative foods on the health status of children continues to be a focus of discussion and research. The aim of this systematic review was to describe and appraise evidence about the effects of breast feeding on health outcomes in children four years and older. Seventeen studies about on infant feeding were identified using Google Scholar and scholarly databases through The University of Akron. Google Scholar, CINAHL, and MEDLINE PLUS methods of searching were utilized, incorporating keywords, i.e., “breastfeeding” AND “cognitive development;” “obesity,”, “intelligence,”, and “immune system.” Based on appraisal of …

Effects Of An Educational Intervention On Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates In Marshallese Mothers Residing In The U.S., Connor K. Otto

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: The largest population of Marshallese immigrants in the Contiguous U.S. resides in Northwest Arkansas. Despite adequate access to healthcare, the Marshallese face many health disparities, perhaps partly due to the language barrier they face in healthcare settings and education. Regarding breastfeeding rates, women in the Marshall Islands have a significantly higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding than in Marshallese women residing in the U.S. who face cultural barriers. Breastfeeding is positively correlated to many benefits for infants and is recommended exclusively for at least 6 months by pediatric policy organizations.

Objective: The purpose of this research is to examine breastfeeding …

Nurses' Breastfeeding Knowledge And Confidence After Education Session, Anna Caroline Tillman

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Education is an essential part of the nursing profession. Nurses should be teaching their patients every day, ensuring they understand the most reliable evidence-based practices. In breastfeeding education, however, there is a lack of education to expectant mothers on common breastfeeding methods, how to overcome common barriers, and general breastfeeding knowledge. If nurses can be effectively educated in breastfeeding knowledge and build their confidence in teaching their patients, then mothers will receive more thorough and helpful breastfeeding education. The hope in educating both nurses and mothers is to increase breastfeeding exclusivity rates to meet Healthy People2020 goals.

Objective: The …

Improving Neonatal Outcomes Through The Implementation Of A Delayed Bathing Program, Kathy Livolsi

Seton Hall University DNP Final Projects

Abstract

Background and Objective: Until 2010 newborns at most community-based hospitals were subjected to their initial bath within two hours of birth. However, this practice has recently changed due to the evidence-based recommendations that demonstrate improved outcomes for neonates when the first bath is delayed for 12-24 hours after birth. Upon delivery, infants are placed skin-to-skin with their parents to promote thermoregulation, breast feeding and bonding. The purpose of this project was to implement a program that delayed infant bathing until the infant was approximately 24 hours old. Rates of neonatal hypoglycemia, neonatal hypothermia, exclusive in-hospital breastfeeding and formula supplementation …

The Effect Of Lactation Consultation On The Duration Of Breastfeeding In New Mothers: A Systematic Review, Jillian Leiter, Jennifer Naegeli, Lilyana Walkley

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

In the United States, 3.978 million babies were born in the year 2015 (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2016). Statistics show that less than 25% of newborns in the United States are breastfed for half of the recommended time by The American Academy of Pediatrics. There are many benefits to breastfeeding, but babies are not receiving these benefits. This systematic review identifies, reviews, and critically appraises the evidence regarding the effect of lactation consultation on duration of breastfeeding in new mothers. Literature was retrieved from CINAHL and Google Scholar. Each study was vetted based on criteria to fully …

The Effect Of Breastfeeding And Rooming-In Care On Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, Rachel Boyer, Lindsay Gal, Mahaylie Cline

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Concurrent with a rise in opioid abuse during pregnancy is an increase in the number of babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Despite this crisis, no single treatment has been identified for NAS. This paper sought to analyze and synthesize research evaluating the effectiveness of breastfeeding and rooming-in care on the need and length of pharmacologic treatment and length of hospital stay for neonates with NAS. Twenty-six peer reviewed research articles published between 2006 and 2017 were selected from PubMed and CINAHL for analysis. The studies focused on neonates with NAS born to mothers addicted to opioids or undergoing …

Effectiveness Of Breastfeeding Shift Champions On Exclusive Breastfeeding, Comfort Obi

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Translational and Clinical Research Projects

Purpose. This project evaluated the effect of breastfeeding support on breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding rates among postpartum mothers in immediate postpartum period. The breastfeeding support was provided by breastfeeding shift champions (BFSC) following childbirth.

Design. A convenience sample of BFSCs, aged between 18 and 44 years, was utilized.

Method. Pre-and post-intervention questionnaires were used to evaluate breastfeeding knowledge of BFSC. Breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding rates were extracted, pre- and post- intervention, from electronic medical records of newborns and their mothers.

Data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analyses. Descriptive data were displayed using frequency …

Critical Analysis Of Breastfeeding Education Provided In The Hospital, Abigail Sweet

Senior Honors Projects

The World Health Organization (W.H.O) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life. A large majority of new mothers are making the decision to breastfeed their newborn child. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2016, high breastfeeding initiation rates show that most mothers in the U.S. want to breastfeed and are trying to do so. However, there are several indicators that suggest that mothers may not be getting the support they need and the early postpartum period is a critical time for establishing support for breastfeeding. Depending on the type of …

The Benefits Of Breastfeeding, Annagrace E. Anderson

Senior Honors Theses

Breast milk is the gold standard for infant nutrition. In the past, infant formula was promoted as equal or superior to breast milk. However, research has shown that breastfeeding is the superior form of infant nutrition except in rare circumstances. Breast milk provides for all of a newborn’s caloric needs and has the correct balance of nutrients to promote proper development. In addition, breast milk provides protection against illnesses, supports an infant’s immune system, and promotes life-long health for the newborn. Mothers also experience personal benefits by breastfeeding such as decreased cancer risks, bonding with their babies, and faster postpartum …

Brookings Supports Breastfeeding: Using Public Deliberation As A Community-Engaged Approach To Dissemination Of Research, Jenn Anderson, Rebecca A. Kuehl, Sara A. Mehltretter Drury, Lois Tschetter, Mary Schwaegerl, Julia Yoder, Heidi Gullickson, Jammison Lamp, Charlotte Bachman, Marilyn Hildreth

Communication Studies Publications

Empirical evidence demonstrates myriad benefits of breastfeeding for mother and child, along with benefits to businesses that support breastfeeding. Federal and state legislation requires workplace support for pumping and provides protections for public breastfeeding. Yet, many are unaware of these laws, and thus, support systems remain underdeveloped. We used a community-based approach to spread awareness about the evidence-based benefits of breastfeeding and breastfeeding support. We worked to improve breastfeeding support at the local hospital, among local employers, and throughout the broader community. Our coalition representing the hospital, the chamber of commerce, the university, and local lactation consultants used a public …

Goals Of Exclusive Breastfeeding And The Effectiveness Of Programs And Initiatives In Attaining Them, Natalie Scott

Senior Honors Theses

Over recent years, breastfeeding has gained renewed significance in research and practice. Both in the United States and around the world, especially in poor countries that do not have easy access to quality healthcare, breastfeeding has been shown to dramatically and positively affect the health and lifespan of infants. However, there is still a low prevalence of effective breastfeeding practices universally. Even with the presence of global programs and goals that are geared toward exclusive breastfeeding habits, global rates are lower than what is desired. There are various determinants of breastfeeding that factor into a woman’s decision and practice of …