Improving breastfeeding duration through creation of a breastfeeding-friendly pediatric practice

Breastfeeding is the gold standard for infant feeding. In the United States, 83.2% of women initiate breastfeeding on their infant's birth. When the infant reaches 6 months of age, however, only 57.6% of mothers are still breastfeeding, and a mere 24.9% are breastfeeding exclusively.

Breastfeeding rates in rural areas are below the national averages. The greatest disparities exist in minorities and individuals with lower educational and socioeconomic status.

A preintervention/postintervention design was used for this quality improvement project. The Model for Improvement's Plan, Do, Study, Act cycle guided the project processes. Breastfeeding rates were obtained at each well-child visit from newborn through 4 months of age. On completion, mean preimplementation and postimplementation breastfeeding rates were compared to determine effectiveness.

A breastfeeding support initiative was implemented at a multisite rural Illinois pediatric practice. An evidence-based breastfeeding policy was developed, staff education sessions were conducted, private lactation rooms were created, and breastfeeding photographs/posters were displayed throughout the offices. Lactation support services were publicized via signs and social media postings.

Overall breastfeeding rates were higher at each time point after implementation. Statistically significant increases occurred at the newborn and 1-month visits, with a modest improvement at 2 and 4 months.

This project demonstrated an improvement in breastfeeding duration rates. It is anticipated that this practice-wide standard of care change will promote breastfeeding throughout the first 12 months of life.