NICU Nurses and Lactation-Based Support and Care
Elizabeth Froh1, Katherine Dahlmeier, Diane L Spatz
1The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Drs Froh and Spatz); and The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia (Ms Dahlmeier and Dr Spatz).
Summary
Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses frequently provide lactation support, demonstrating positive attitudes toward human milk and breastfeeding. Hospitals should enhance training programs to further support these essential practices.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Lactation support
- Nursing practice
Background:
- Human milk and breastfeeding are crucial for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) populations.
- National data indicate low rates of lactation support by NICU nurses and limited availability of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the provision and frequency of lactation-based support and care by NICU bedside nurses.
- To understand NICU nurses' attitudes toward human milk and breastfeeding.
Main Methods:
- A prospective descriptive cohort study was conducted.
- A 21-question web-based survey, including the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS), was disseminated to bedside nurses in a Northeastern urban hospital.
Main Results:
- 140 of 389 eligible NICU nurses responded.
- 50.7% to 72.9% of nurses reported providing lactation support during recent shifts.
- Nurses' average IIFAS score (69.1) indicated a positive attitude toward breastfeeding.
Conclusions:
- Most NICU nurses provide lactation support regularly and hold positive attitudes towards human milk and breastfeeding.
- Hospitals are encouraged to implement educational and training programs for lactation support.
- Further research is needed to explore NICU nurses' attitudes on a national level.
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