Pediatrician Competency in Breastfeeding Support Has Room for Improvement

Meek, Joan Younger

doi:10.1542/peds.2017-2509

Cited by 13 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…When identifying the most helpful sources of breastfeeding support, participants in this study identified trained peers, such as the local ABA counsellor, or ABA 24 h Helpline, or health professionals with additional breastfeeding education (such as lactation consultants) as best. Professionals with formal and targeted education in breastfeeding support, such as Baby Friendly Health Initiative training, have been shown to provide up-to-date advice and support to breastfeeding women [18]. Embedding dedicated breastfeeding education into the health care system [19] and including greater access to peer support counsellors [13], may improve the appropriateness of breastfeeding support for women.…”

Section: Inadequate Health Professional Supportmentioning

confidence: 99%

Breastfeeding support at an Australian Breastfeeding Association drop-in service: a descriptive survey

2020

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Background In Australia, during the early establishment phase of breastfeeding, women can access telephone peer support counselling provided by the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) however options for face-to-face peer support are limited. The known factors which improve ongoing and exclusive breastfeeding include face-to-face support, peer and/or professional support, and trained personnel. This study aimed to examine women’s experiences of accessing one breastfeeding drop-in peer support service provided by trained peer support volunteer counsellors from the ABA. Methods Women who accessed the service were invited, in 2014, to participate in an anonymous online survey which collected both quantitative and qualitative data. Participants were asked about their experiences of breastfeeding support, as well as their experiences of the drop-in service. In total, 53 women completed the online survey, and subsequent analysis generated descriptive statistics and qualitative themes. Results Responses to the survey revealed that women attended the drop-in service with infants ranging in age from less than 1 week through to 12 months of age. Most women reported attending with infants aged 0–8 weeks of age (72%). The predominant presenting problems identified were sore/damaged nipples, difficulties with infant latching to the breast, or concerns about using nipple shields. Analysis of the open text qualitative responses revealed one overarching theme ‘Support to continue breastfeeding’ and four subthemes: ‘feeling listened to and not judged’; ‘emotional support and confidence building’; ‘the importance of face-to-face, practical support’; and ‘the need for ongoing, free access’. Discussion In this study many women were seeking support for ongoing breastfeeding difficulties. Health professionals who had limited breastfeeding knowledge and skills were identified as most unhelpful in providing support with ongoing breastfeeding difficulties. Women valued having access to trained peer counsellors, who had the capacity to provide non-judgemental, face-to-face support; who could sit through a feed; in a space that was ‘safe’; and who could enhance a woman’s confidence with breastfeeding over the course of her full breastfeeding journey. Conclusions Reactive peer support, provided in response to need, at an Australian Breastfeeding Association drop-in service, was described by participants as pivotal to enabling their ongoing breastfeeding.

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Section: Inadequate Health Professional Supportmentioning

confidence: 99%

Breastfeeding support at an Australian Breastfeeding Association drop-in service: a descriptive survey

2020

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“…In the settings, IBCLCs provide counseling and support to diverse women to meet their breastfeeding goals. Women have found breastfeeding support from their primary health care provider to be insufficient, [17][18][19] leading to increased demand for quality lactation support. IBCLCs are the ''go-to'' health professionals for all things breastfeeding, including initiation, breastfeeding issues (e.g., engorgement, cracked nipples, medication contraindications), and weaning.…”

Section: International Board Certified Lactation Consultantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Management of Cannabis Use in Breastfeeding Women: The Untapped Potential of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants

Skelton

Benjamin‐Neelon

Young-Wolff

2020

Breastfeeding Medicine

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Recent increases in maternal cannabis use, in combination with rapidly changing cannabis policies in the United States, pose a unique threat to maternal and child health. To date, 33 states and the District of Columbia (D.C.) have legalized medicinal cannabis, and 11 states and D.C. have legalized recreational cannabis. Many other states have decriminalized cannabis and are considering legalization. Recent data suggest that maternal cannabis use is increasing. Maternal cannabis use in the postpartum period, including breastfeeding women, may contribute to negative health outcomes in young children. Perinatal health professionals should work collaboratively to safeguard maternal and child health outcomes from potential adverse health effects of cannabis use. To that end, we highlight the critical role International Board Certified Lactation Consultants Ò (IBCLCs Ò) could play in postpartum management of cannabis use. IBCLCs have direct access to a large number of women shortly after delivery and throughout the postpartum period. They are an extremely well-positioned, but arguably underutilized, and are potential partners for postpartum management of cannabis use. Given the rapport IBCLCs frequently develop with their patients, these mothers may be especially willing to disclose cannabis use and be receptive to education and advice to quit cannabis use while breastfeeding. As such, we propose that the role of IBCLCs be promoted to support families with nonpunitive education about the potential risks, advice to not use cannabis while breastfeeding, and timely referral for treatment, when needed. This approach holds promise for improving the health and quality of life for breastfeeding women and their infants.

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“…Health Initiative training, have been shown to provide up to date advice and support to breastfeeding women (Meek 2017). Embedding dedicated breastfeeding education into the health care system (Anstey, Coulter et al 2018), and including greater access to peer support counsellors (Burns and Schmied 2017), may improve the appropriateness of breastfeeding support for women.…”

Section: Professionals With Formal and Targeted Education In Breastfementioning

confidence: 99%

Reactive breastfeeding support at an Australian Breastfeeding Association drop-in service

Burns

Duursma

Triandafilidis

2020

Preprint

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Background In Australia, during the early establishment phase of breastfeeding, women can access telephone peer support counselling provided by the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) however options for face-to-face peer support are limited. The known factors which improve ongoing and exclusive breastfeeding include face-to-face support, peer and/or professional support, and trained personnel. This study aimed to examine women’s experiences of accessing one breastfeeding drop-in peer support service provided by trained peer support volunteer counsellors from the ABA.Methods Women who accessed the service were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey which collected both quantitative and qualitative data. Participants were asked about their experiences of breastfeeding support, as well as their experiences of the drop-in service. In total, 53 women completed the online survey, and subsequent analysis generated descriptive statistics and qualitative themes.Findings Responses to the survey revealed that women attended the drop-in lounge with infants ranging in age from less than 1 week through to 12 months of age. Most women reported attending with infants aged 0-8 weeks of age 72% (n37). The predominant presenting problems identified were sore/damaged nipples, difficulties with infant latching to the breast, or concerns about using nipple shields. Analysis of the open text qualitative responses revealed one overarching theme ‘Support to continue breastfeeding’ and four subthemes: ‘feeling listened to and not judged’; ‘emotional support and confidence building’; ‘the importance of face-to-face, practical support'; and ‘the need for ongoing, free access’.Discussion In this study many women were seeking support for ongoing breastfeeding difficulties. Some were referred to health professional’s for investigation of restricted tongue movement. Health professionals who had limited breastfeeding knowledge and skills were identified as most unhelpful in providing support with ongoing breastfeeding difficulties. Women valued having access to trained peer counsellors, who had the capacity to provide non-judgemental, face-to-face support; who could sit through a feed; in a space that was ‘safe’; and who could enhance a woman’s confidence with breastfeeding over the course of her full breastfeeding journey.Conclusion Women described the importance of access to a reactive drop-in service which was dedicated to breastfeeding support and which was available in response to need.

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Pediatrician Competency in Breastfeeding Support Has Room for Improvement

Abstract: Opinions expressed in these commentaries are those of the author and not necessarily those of the American Academy of Pediatrics or its Committees.

Cited by 13 publications

References 8 publications

Breastfeeding support at an Australian Breastfeeding Association drop-in service: a descriptive survey

Breastfeeding support at an Australian Breastfeeding Association drop-in service: a descriptive survey

Management of Cannabis Use in Breastfeeding Women: The Untapped Potential of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants

Reactive breastfeeding support at an Australian Breastfeeding Association drop-in service

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