A service evaluation of a hospital-based specialist postnatal breastfeeding clinic

Abstract

Background Breastfeeding is described as the gold standard of infant feeding and is beneficial to both infant and maternal health, reducing healthcare costs. Breastfeeding rates are low in Ireland. Interventions that support and protect breastfeeding are required. Aim To conduct a service evaluation of a hospital-based specialist postnatal breastfeeding clinic. Methods A telephone questionnaire was administered to 99 participants who attended a breastfeeding specialist clinic. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the quantitative data. The qualitative data was anonymised and subjected to thematic analysis. Results Of the 99 women, 99% were breastfeeding at 6 weeks, 92% at 3 months and 77% at 6 months, respectively. The majority of women attended with one breastfeeding challenge (63%) while 24% of women attended with two breastfeeding challenges. Conclusions Skilled professional breastfeeding support, in addition to peer support, is an effective and acceptable way to increase breastfeeding among women who present with common breastfeeding challenges.