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Recommended Citation
Anderson T. Latching On: Equity in Breastfeeding Education. Evidence Based Practice podium presentation at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Presentation Notes
Evidence Based Practice podium presentation at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Abstract
Background
Breastmilk is the optimal source of nutrition for newborns (WHO, 2019). Prenatal breastfeeding education best prepares families, yet not all patients attend hospital-offered classes due to associated fees. This gap may negatively impact knowledge and exclusive breastfeeding rates (Kehinde et al., 2022). To promote health equity, it is critical to provide accessible prenatal education to all patients, regardless of their ability to attend traditional classes.
Purpose
Our hospital aims to ensure all patients make informed infant feeding decisions. This project sought to provide prenatal breastfeeding education in outpatient Labor and Delivery Triage and evaluate its impact on patient knowledge and exclusive breastfeeding rates at the time of birth.
Method
Patients who had not received prenatal breastfeeding education were offered it during visits to Labor and Delivery Triage. A nurse or lactation consultant used a standardized, evidence-based toolkit including PowerPoint, donor milk education, hands-on positioning techniques, web resources, and a pre-education knowledge questionnaire. After delivery, patients completed a follow-up knowledge questionnaire. Staff education on toolkit use was conducted prior to project implementation to ensure consistent delivery of content.
Results
Between July 15 and October 31, exclusive breastfeeding rates increased from 62% in 2023 to 68% in 2024. Among surveyed patients, 73% demonstrated improved breastfeeding knowledge. Racial and ethnic subgroup analysis showed exclusive breastfeeding increased by 7% among Hispanic patients, 17% among Black patients, and 16% among Asian patients. Additionally, 100% of participants initiated breastfeeding after birth—exceeding the hospital’s average initiation rate of 90%. These findings support that providing prenatal education in Triage improves both breastfeeding exclusivity and patient knowledge.
Implications for Practice
Integrating breastfeeding education into Triage encounters reduces access barriers and supports informed patient choice. Future practice should include continuing Triage education and exploring expansion into outpatient obstetric office visits (Rosen-Carole et al., 2021).
Document Type
Oral/Podium Presentation
Publication Date
11-12-2025
Latching On: Equity in Breastfeeding Education
Background
Breastmilk is the optimal source of nutrition for newborns (WHO, 2019). Prenatal breastfeeding education best prepares families, yet not all patients attend hospital-offered classes due to associated fees. This gap may negatively impact knowledge and exclusive breastfeeding rates (Kehinde et al., 2022). To promote health equity, it is critical to provide accessible prenatal education to all patients, regardless of their ability to attend traditional classes.
Purpose
Our hospital aims to ensure all patients make informed infant feeding decisions. This project sought to provide prenatal breastfeeding education in outpatient Labor and Delivery Triage and evaluate its impact on patient knowledge and exclusive breastfeeding rates at the time of birth.
Method
Patients who had not received prenatal breastfeeding education were offered it during visits to Labor and Delivery Triage. A nurse or lactation consultant used a standardized, evidence-based toolkit including PowerPoint, donor milk education, hands-on positioning techniques, web resources, and a pre-education knowledge questionnaire. After delivery, patients completed a follow-up knowledge questionnaire. Staff education on toolkit use was conducted prior to project implementation to ensure consistent delivery of content.
Results
Between July 15 and October 31, exclusive breastfeeding rates increased from 62% in 2023 to 68% in 2024. Among surveyed patients, 73% demonstrated improved breastfeeding knowledge. Racial and ethnic subgroup analysis showed exclusive breastfeeding increased by 7% among Hispanic patients, 17% among Black patients, and 16% among Asian patients. Additionally, 100% of participants initiated breastfeeding after birth—exceeding the hospital’s average initiation rate of 90%. These findings support that providing prenatal education in Triage improves both breastfeeding exclusivity and patient knowledge.
Implications for Practice
Integrating breastfeeding education into Triage encounters reduces access barriers and supports informed patient choice. Future practice should include continuing Triage education and exploring expansion into outpatient obstetric office visits (Rosen-Carole et al., 2021).
Affiliations
Sherman Hospital