The Influence of Education and Specialty Certification on Nurses' Intent to Support Breastfeeding Post-Birth

Abstract

Breastfeeding is something that many new mothers aspire to do, but also something that many struggle with in the days following birth. Nursing support in the hospital can make a huge difference in the success of this endeavor for many patients. It is important for nurse educators that work with the obstetric population, and the nurses that care for them, to understand what drives nurses to be supportive of patients who have recently given birth in their breastfeeding efforts. This will allow for appropriate interventions to be implemented to increase the level of support. This study seeks to determine if a relationship exists between nurses' level of education and specialty certification, and their intent to provide support to new mothers in their efforts to breastfeed their babies.