Improving the Breastfeeding Practices in Healthy Neonates During Hospital Stay Using Quality Improvement Methodology

Abstract

To demonstrate the applications of the principles of Quality Improvement (QI) in a tertiary-care centre with the aim to improve the breastfeeding practices during hospital stay. An operational team was formulated to identify the reasons for low proportion of exclusive breast feeding (EBF) in healthy neonates. Reason specific solutions were proposed, discussed, prioritized and tested using Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle (PDSA Cycle). Strategies included clear departmental policy plan and creation of Breastfeeding support package (BFSP). PDSA cycles were tested and implemented over 6 weeks period and its sustainability was measured monthly for five months duration. After implementation of PDSA cycles, the proportion of neonates receiving early breastfeeding within one hour of birth increased from 55% to 95%, and the proportion of neonates on EBF during hospital stay increased from 72% to 98%. Quality Improvement principles are feasible and effective to improve breastfeeding practices in the hospital setting.