Breast is BEST: Increasing Health-Care Provider Knowledge and Confidence

Breastfeeding is recognized as the ideal source of nutrition for infants. However, several barriers to successful breastfeeding have been identified. Possibly one of the most significant barriers is the lack of health-care provider-related support and promotion of breastfeeding.

The purpose of this study was to recognize the barriers to breastfeeding, ways health-care providers can assist patients in overcoming those barriers, and increase breastfeeding knowledge and confidence of health-care providers to better promote and manage breastfeeding clients.

Study participants included: physicians, advanced practice nurses, and nurses. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Breastfeeding Residency Curriculum was utilized in the study, and participants were also educated on and encouraged to apply ACOG's Perinatal Practice Guidelines.

There was an overall increase of 19.2% in health-care provider knowledge scores and a 23% increase in confidence scores. There was also a 15.6% increase in documentation of early prenatal breastfeeding counseling.

The results and significance of the study provide evidence that once health-care providers are knowledgeable and confident in promoting breastfeeding, clients will be better equipped to successfully breastfeed.

Breastfeeding success rates among mothers can be greatly improved through active support from health-care providers.