Lactation Consultants' Perceived Barriers to Providing Professional Breastfeeding Support

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Lactation Science
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Suboptimal breastfeeding rates are a significant public health concern in the US.
• Understanding provider perspectives is key to improving breastfeeding support.
• Lactation consultants play a vital role in assisting breastfeeding mothers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perceived barriers lactation consultants encounter when managing early breastfeeding problems.
• To identify factors influencing lactation consultants' role in breastfeeding support.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study using grounded theory.
• In-depth interviews with 30 International Board Certified Lactation Consultants in Florida.
• Analysis of interview data using Atlas.ti software.

Main Results:

• Barriers identified include indirect (social norms, knowledge), direct occupational (institutional constraints, service delivery), and direct individual (social support, mother's self-efficacy).
• A model was developed illustrating factors influencing lactation consultants' role enactment.
• Lack of collaboration among providers and families compounds breastfeeding challenges.

Conclusions:

• Effective breastfeeding support requires addressing identified barriers.
• Team-based, interprofessional approaches are needed for comprehensive breastfeeding care.
• Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration can improve the integration and effectiveness of lactation consultants.