title: Evaluation of a practice-development initiative to improve breastfeeding rates.
abstract: The benefits of breastfeeding for infant, mother, family, and community are well recognized, and increasing breastfeeding rates is considered an important health-promotion strategy. Improving breastfeeding knowledge and practice among individuals caring for breastfeeding women is considered an important aspect of this strategy. The practice-development initiative described in this article aimed to improve hospital-based breastfeeding rates through the implementation of The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. The initiative included the development and implementation of an education program aimed at changing and improving breastfeeding practices. The program was evaluated in three ways: changes in breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge; client preparation for breastfeeding and satisfaction during the postnatal period; and staff knowledge and skills.
authors: MARGARET BARNES is an associate professor and a discipline leader for nursing and midwifery in the School of Health and Sport Sciences at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. JULIE COX is a nurse unit manager in the maternity unit at Redcliffe Hospital in Redcliffe, Queensland. BRONWYN DOYLE is a clinical experience coordinator in the discipline of nursing and midwifery at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. RACHEL REED is a lecturer in nursing and midwifery in the School of Health and Sport Sciences at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
authors: Margaret
authors: M
authors: Barnes
authors: Julie
authors: J
authors: Cox
authors: Bronwyn
authors: B
authors: Doyle
authors: Rachel
authors: R
authors: Reed