Implementation of a Lactation Support Program in a Primary Care Pediatric Practice

Abstract

Background and Objective. Breastfeeding has been shown to have an overall impact on the health and well-being of mothers and infants. Statistically, national and state breastfeeding rates are below the Healthy People 2020 target goals. A review of literature concluded that lactation support increased the overall rates of breastfeeding throughout the first year of life. The objectives of this quality improvement project were to increase the rates of breastfeeding at 2 weeks and 2 months of age by providing lactation support to the mother–infant dyad, to provide education for health care providers on the evidence-based recommendation for lactation support, and implement the program as standard of care. Methods. The quality improvement project used a retrospective chart review method to collect data. Data collection was done on the provision of lactation support for infants with the ICD-9 code of newborn feeding issues (779.31). Feeding methods were documented at 2 weeks and 2 months of age. Data were collected with regard to the numbers of referrals made before and after healthcare provider education. Results. Lactation support yielded higher rates of breastfeeding duration and exclusivity at 2 months of age yet referral rates demonstrated no significant difference. Conclusions and Implications. Research has shown that lactation support in the early postpartum period can increase breastfeeding rates throughout the first year of life. The lactation support program is standard of care for those newborns that meet evidence-based criteria, including excessive weight loss, inadequate stool output, and difficulty with breastfeeding with an ICD-9 code of newborn feeding issues (779.31).