Breastfeeding Curricular Content of Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
Introduction:
Health care provider support is essential for breastfeeding success. Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) are in a unique position to promote and manage breastfeeding. There is a gap in the literature regarding the amount and type of breastfeeding curricular content in FNP programs.
Method:
An online survey of FNP programs was conducted. Data collection included program descriptors, didactic breastfeeding coursework, and clinical breastfeeding opportunities available to students.
Results:
No programs offered courses specific to breastfeeding: 82% of programs devoted 1 to 2 hours of didactic lactation content. More than three quarters of the programs offered students breastfeeding counseling opportunities; no programs, however, identified specific breastfeeding clinical competencies.
Discussion:
FNPs can play an integral role in breastfeeding promotion and counseling. There appears to be a lack of education provided to FNPs regarding breastfeeding management. Creative approaches that incorporate lactation education into FNP programs may increase FNPs' breastfeeding knowledge and enhance their ability to provide support to breastfeeding families.
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