Pilot Study of Breastfeeding Support on the Night Shift
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Published:2015-05
Issue:2
Volume:6
Page:53-59
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ISSN:2158-0782
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Container-title:Clinical Lactation
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Clin Lactation
Author:
Ayers Betsy,Grassley Jane,Koprowski Kristen
Abstract
Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life facilitates optimal health for mothers and their infants and is a hospital discharge perinatal core measure. The purpose of this study was to identify nurses’ experiences, perceptions, and practices of breastfeeding support on
the night shift; recognize barriers; and offer recommendations to maintain exclusive initial breastfeeding. Data were collected using an anonymous 14-item online questionnaire, developed from the literature. The results identified baby’s behavior and maternal fatigue as the biggest challenges
to breastfeeding support on the night shift. Our recommendations include education of families regarding normal nighttime behaviors and encouragement of mothers to nap when their newborn is napping. More research is needed with a larger, national, and more geographically representative sample
to validate these findings.
Publisher
Springer Publishing Company
Subject
Obstetrics and Gynecology,Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health