Date of Conferral

2016

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Health Services

Advisor

Mirella Brooks

Abstract

Breastfeeding is considered a public health concern due to increased maternal/infant mortality and morbidity rates associated with persistent low rates in breastfeeding. Providing early breastfeeding education for women with diabetic, pregnancy-induced hypertension and multiple gestations can result in higher persistence rates and a decrease in maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates. This quality improvement project provided early prenatal breastfeeding education for women with diabetes, pregnancy-induce hypertension and multiple gestations at a private clinic in Long Beach, Southern California. Evidence-based literature reviews were conducted through CINAHL and Medline (2009-2014). The descriptive study used for the project was made up questionnaires including 5 pre-survey questions completed by prenatal women prior to education and another 5 post-survey questionnaires after the education. Postnatal women were given 10 pre-survey questions before the education and a 10 post survey questions after the education. Variables included low and high income, level of education, and previous breastfeeding experience. Out of 100 targeted women, a total number (n) of 54 questions from a questionnaire were completed (54 %). These include 21 completed (21%) 5 pre- and 5 post-survey questions and 33 completed (33%) 10 pre and 10 post-survey questions. Early prenatal breastfeeding education increased maternal knowledge, intent and promoted self-efficacy. Providing early breastfeeding education is vital to decrease maternal-infant morbidity and mortality rates and promote positive social change.

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