Mothers' experiences with breastfeeding management and support: a quality improvement study

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences on mothers with regard to the breastfeeding support and management provided by healthcare professionals on an acute care postpartum unit in a multiethnic obstetrical referral center in Montreal, Canada. The study survey was largely based on the UNICEF/World Health Organization's (1998) ten steps to successful breastfeeding. The convenience sample included 60 recently-delivered mothers. Findings indicated that primiparous women and women who delivered by caesarean section consistently received more information about breastfeeding management than multiparous women and women who delivered vaginally. However, the study does suggest that all women, regardless of parity or type of delivery, have information and support needs related to breastfeeding. A total of 29 mothers (67%), who intended to breastfeed exclusively, supplemented with artificial baby milk. Of these mothers, 16 (55%) stated 'milk insufficiency' as their primary reasons for supplementing. Overall, respondents perceived healthcare professionals to be encouraging of breastfeeding, and 48 mothers (80%) were 'moderately' to 'very' satisfied with the breastfeeding education and support received. These findings suggest that overall adherence to breastfeeding best practices in the current study hospital are below targets set by the World Health Organization for 'Baby Friendly' status. Results from the study can be used to target areas for improvement.