The voices of breastfeeding resource nurses

To describe and evaluate the Breastfeeding Resource Nurse (BRN) role and program at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

The primary study was a multimethod study including a survey and key informant interviews to meet the study's objectives: to describe how the BRN implements his or her role at the unit level throughout the hospital, to describe the successes and challenges of the BRN role, to provide data on how BRNs may be better supported in their roles, and provide data for the translation of the BRN program to other institutions. We present the qualitative descriptive component from the primary study.

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia enterprise.

Eighteen BRNs within the CHOP enterprise.

Semistructured interviews were conducted with the BRN participants. The data were analyzed with conventional content analysis.

Four major themes emerged from the BRN interview data: Empowering through evidence, Advocacy, Going the extra mile, and Personal connections to breastfeeding.

Compelling stories illustrated the role of the BRN as patient advocate and educator for staff and families. Knowing the evidence about lactation and breastfeeding empowered the BRN to be successful in his or her role. The BRNs derived great personal and professional satisfaction from their roles. The BRN program can be easily adapted to other pediatric care centers and will enable improved breastfeeding outcomes at the point of care.