Much of contemporary breastfeeding management is based on ritual, myth, and the defensive validation that, "This is the way we have always done it." The major complaint new mothers relate in patient satisfaction surveys is the absence of consistent breastfeeding information. In order to assure the best possible outcomes for new breastfeeding mothers, consistent, accurate, and current lactation care are imperative. The first fourteen days postpartum are critical to the calibration of the milk supply and the continuance of breastfeeding beyond two weeks. Even in preterm mothers, the amount of milk produced at 10-14 days is predictive of volumes and continuance at three,four, and five weeks. Instituting evidence-based care insures consistency, institutes care practices that are defensible during budget cuts, assures patient safety, reduces liability claims, and prevents cost containment at the expense of long term patient outcomes. This presentation will discuss the purpose of evidence-based care, where to find the evidence, and the most important breastfeeding management guidelines to institute. Guidelines are based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding which form the basis or the core of breastfeeding support.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to: Discuss why an evidence-based approach to breastfeeding care and services insures consistency of care List 5 rituals of care amenable to change based on evidence and practice Describe why the first 14 days postpartum are critical to establishing an adequate milk supply
Keywords: Breast Feeding, Evidence Based Practice
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.