Improving the number of mothers breastfeeding in the postpartum period.
The objective of this study was to review an experience at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida that has resulted in an increase in the percentage of mothers breastfeeding at postpartum discharge. Data was obtained from postpartum interviews in 1993, which provided the percentage of mothers breastfeeding at discharge. Staff members and personnel involved in the care of postpartum mothers and babies were educated about breastfeeding, and rounds were made to problem solve and reinforce. Patients who elected to breastfeed from April to September 1994 were followed for a duration of 3 months. These early efforts led to the implementation of a Baby-Friendly initiative and intent in 1996 and the formation of a mother-baby unit in 1997. Ten percent of mothers were breastfeeding at postpartum discharge. After implementing a program in 1994, 41% were breastfeeding at discharge. There was a decline in the number of mothers breastfeeding during the postpartum period from discharge. At 3 days postpartum, 80% of patients were breastfeeding followed by 64%, 37%, and 17% at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months from discharge, respectively. The percentage of mothers opting not to breastfeed at 3 days after discharge was 20%, followed by 12% from 3 days to 2 weeks postdischarge, by 21% 2 weeks to 6 weeks postdischarge, and finally by 16% from 6 weeks to 3 months postdischarge. In 1998, 70% of patients were breastfeeding, and in 1999, 71% of patients were breastfeeding upon postpartum discharge. The data show that by implementing programs to promote breastfeeding, through education, encouragement, and reinforcement, one can increase the number of mothers who breastfeed at postpartum discharge. However, there is an inverse relationship between the duration of the postdischarge period and the number of mothers breastfeeding.
McCreath
W A.
WA
Jackson Memorial Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Miami, Florida, USA
Wilcox
S
S
Laing
V
Crump
D
D
Gilles
J
J