Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #108645

Rebecca Mannel, BS, IBCLC, Lactation Center Coordinator, OU MEDICAL CENTER, 1200 Everett Drive, Rm 4E4304, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, 405-271-4350, rmannel1@cox.net

While increasing breastfeeding rates is a global health goal of the World Health Organization, many hospital practices continue that have an adverse impact on the initiation and duration of breastfeeding. Development of a lactation program with skilled lactation professionals (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants) and an emphasis on evidence-based practice (Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative) can change attitudes and practice. Laboring and delivering a successful, enduring lactation program with a multidisciplinary team approach requires: 1. Prenatal Education to gain support from hospital leadership and physicians 2. Laboring to educate the various health care professionals involved in the care of breastfeeding patients (MDs, RNs, RDs, OTs, Case Managers, Social Workers) 3. Delivering a change in institutional standards and practice to evidence-based care 4. Successful latch-on to lactation consultants as vital members of the health care team. 5. Growth spurts as awareness grows and demand for lactation support spreads to other areas. A strong lactation program with a multidisciplinary team approach results in increased awareness of appropriate clinical management of breastfeeding patients, increased requests for lactation support, increased advocacy of breastfeeding to patients, increased breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge, increased recognition of the need for skilled lactation support after hospital discharge and increased duration of breastfeeding.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize components of an evidence-based hospital lactation program.
• Identify techniques that will help deliver a change in practice.
• List 3 of the Baby-Friendly Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.