Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Epidemiology Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Theses/Dissertations

Disparities

Maternal and Child Health

Articles 1 - 1 of 1

Full-Text Articles in Epidemiology

Assessing Best Practices, Perceptions, And Barriers To Breastfeeding In The Appalachian Region, Melissa White May 2022

Assessing Best Practices, Perceptions, And Barriers To Breastfeeding In The Appalachian Region, Melissa White

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Breastfeeding protects against a variety of adverse health outcomes for mothers and babies. Global best practices, known as the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), have been developed to support the initiation and exclusivity of breastfeeding during the post-delivery hospital stay. The aims of this study were to explore the literature related to the impact of the BFHI on breastfeeding disparities in the U.S.; compare the impact of exposure to these best practices on exclusive breastfeeding rates in Appalachian and non-Appalachian hospitals; and to understand knowledge, perceptions, and barriers to breastfeeding of postpartum mothers receiving care in a Northeast Tennessee OB/GYN …