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DOI
https://doi.org/10.63853/UZIH8720
Description
INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP
Background: Breastfeeding is a modifiable health-related behavior widely recognized for its short-and long-term health benefits (Standish, 2022). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding for at least two years or as long as mutually desired (Meek, 2022). Despite this guidance, pediatric nurses outside of neonatal units often receive minimal breastfeeding education, creating a gap in care for breastfeeding families admitted to other areas of the hospital. This project aimed to assess the breastfeeding knowledge needs of pediatric nursing staff across two hospital campuses. A lack of standardized breastfeeding education was identified. To quantify this gap, a cross-sectional survey was distributed to pediatric staff across campuses. 347 responses were collected, revealing that 91% of respondents reported limited to no breastfeeding education, and 83% expressed a desire for more training and resources to support breastfeeding families.
Implementation: 59% of respondence preferred in-person training over computer-based modules. Using this data, we plan to present a breastfeeding initiative and instructional strategy to our education team to advocate for a formalized program. Following implementation, we will re-survey both campuses to evaluate the impact of the education.
Evaluation: Importantly, this initiative also seeks to address social determinants of health (SDOH) by recognizing that breastfeeding support is not equally accessible to all families (Standish, 2022). Access to culturally competent care can influence breastfeeding outcomes. By equipping nurses with inclusive, evidence-based education, we aim to reduce disparities and promote equitable breastfeeding support across diverse patient populations. The Surgeon General has emphasized the importance of increasing breastfeeding rates to improve community health outcomes, and hospital staff play a critical role in achieving this goal (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.). Recognizing the influence of hospital staff in achieving this goal, investing in breastfeeding education for pediatric nurses empowers them to support families and sustain community health improvements long after discharge.
Publication Date
11-24-2025
Disciplines
Pediatric Nursing
Recommended Citation
Stokes, Bethany and Abbott, Shannon, "Addressing Gaps in Breastfeeding Education Among Pediatric Nurses" (2025). 2025. 3.
https://scholarlycollection.childrens.com/nursing-anf2025/3
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
