Document Type

Report

Publication Date

1-2018

Date of Final Presentation

2018

Committee Chair

Sara Ahten, DNP, MSN, RN, NC-BC

Committee Member

Molly Vaughan Prengaman, PhD, RN, FNP-BC

Coordinator/ Chair of DNP Program

Pam Strohfus

Abstract/ Executive Summary

Abstract

Problem Description: Breastfeeding continuation rates fall below the Healthy People 2020 goal of 60.6% for any breastfeeding at six months postpartum. In Navajo County, Arizona the breastfeeding rate for WIC participants was 36.9%. Breastfeeding provides health benefits to babies and women and decreased health care costs. A quality improvement project was developed and implemented with a pilot group of participants in a rural Northeastern Arizona community.

Interventions: After a thorough literature review, four interventions were selected. These included: development of a community health coalition, prenatal breastfeeding education, administration of a new baby tea event, and extended support provided by a certified lactation consultant for 12 weeks postpartum.

Results: Approximately 62% of support persons showed an increase in breastfeeding support. 100% of the pilot group of mothers reported an increase in breastfeeding knowledge and 75% continued breastfeeding beyond 12 weeks postpartum. A New Baby Tea event was implemented as planned; however, the content was delivered in a revised format.

Interpretation: Due to small sample size, results are not generalizable. It is recommended to increase the sample size in the next implementation cycle of the program. It is also recommended to offer the prenatal breastfeeding education to all mothers, as it is not known if a mother would change her mind about feeding methods with access to accurate breastfeeding information. The New Baby Tea was not implemented as originally designed; it was delivered in a revised format. The New Baby Tea has been removed from the plan for successive implementations of the project design. However, this component may be re-introduced at a later date.

Conclusion: The pilot was successful in improving breastfeeding knowledge and outcomes for the participant group. The coalition plans to widen their reach to the entire White Mountain Community. It is believed that continued efforts will lead to a healthier community.

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