Clinical Lactation Practice: 20 Years of Evidence

Abstract

Lactation consultants depend on a vast multidisciplinary knowledge base to support their practices. To coincide with the 20-year anniversary of the International Lactation Consultant Association, the authors sought to highlight the knowledge base to demonstrate how practice has been affected. Using standard databases, they extracted English-language scientific literature related to breastfeeding and maternal and infant health outcomes; factors associated with breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and duration; lactation physiology; common breastfeeding challenges; breastfeeding practices within vulnerable populations; health professional support of breastfeeding; and breastfeeding practices in developing countries of Africa. Summaries of research are provided to demonstrate scientific method and knowledge evolution. As the knowledge of the biological, behavioral, and environmental factors that affect breastfeeding continues to grow, researchers and lactation consultants will identify additional research areas. Thus, the cycle of describing and explaining phenomena, testing interventions to improve practice, and ultimately improving breastfeeding outcomes worldwide will continue.

Factors Affecting Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice in Rural Communities of Cross River State, Nigeria

“…The success of EBF has been attributed to several factors such as provision of accurate information, support to breast feeding mothers and perception (beliefs and attitude) of mothers, (Wambach, Campell, Gill, Datgston, Abiona, & Heing, 2005, Edegbai, 2001. The role of the health care professional is critical in providing women with the information they need to make them accept and practice EBF.…”

Effect of two different nursing care approaches on reduction of breast engorgement among postnatal women

“…Some of this challenges are predictable and another not predictable. [7,8] They can hinder with the lactation process and worsen the maternal anxieties and worries. [9,10] They may appear immediately after delivery or anytime during lactation.…”

Diagnósticos De Enfermagem Relacionados Ao Fenômeno Amamentação Exclusiva

“…Ouvir a mulher sobre seus anseios, dúvidas e verificar as experiências anteriores faz parte do processo de aprendizado da amamentação, apoiando-a e aumentando sua autoconfiança. Conhecer os aspectos relacionados à prática da amamentação é fator fundamental no sentido de colaborar para que a mãe possa se sentir disposta e apta a amamentar de forma efetiva e tranquila e, nesse contexto, o profissional de saúde tem papel fundamental, fornecendo as orientações necessárias e adequadas para o êxito materno (2,24,27) .…”

“…Como essas informações sofrem frequentes atualizações, recomenda-se que previamente à prescrição de medicações à nutrizes, essas questões sejam consultadas (27)(28) .…”