Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects
Access Control
Campus Access
Degree Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Degree Track
Family Nurse Practioner
Year Degree Awarded
2013
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/4151035
Month Degree Awarded
May
Keywords
breastfeeding, postpartum, support
Advisor
Genevieve Chandler
DNP Project Chair
Genevieve Chandler
DNP Project Member Name
Emma Dundon
DNP Project Outside Member Name
Debra Venancio
Abstract
Abstract
Health experts agree that breastfeeding provides essential nutrients to infants for optimal health. But despite the known benefits, breastfeeding rates remain low in the United States. Several strategies, including postpartum follow up phone calls and breastfeeding support groups, have been identified to improve breastfeeding rates. The problem is that postpartum follow up phone calls have been lagging for up to 3 months post discharge. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to conduct the postpartum phone calls within 10 days post discharge and to determine if the intervention increased breastfeeding rates. Methods of data collection were (1) follow-up postpartum phone call and (2) satisfaction survey. Results. A total of 25 mothers responded to the postpartum phone call, with 88% feeling good after discharge. Breastfeeding rate at discharge was 76% and 84% were breastfeeding at the time of the call. Among the breastfeeding population, 19% of the participants had already consulted a lactation consultant post discharge while 9.5% requested a referral to a lactation consultant. Discussion. Postpartum follow up phone calls assessed the condition of the mother and infant post discharge, answered questions and concerns pertaining to self-care, infant care and breastfeeding. Problems associated with postpartum depression and breastfeeding, including sore nipples and difficult latch, were identified and appropriate referrals were made.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.