Standardizing Patient and Provider Education to Address Breastfeeding Inequity
Authors: Gibson Emilee , Elvendahl Haylee , Wilson Teresa , Groesch Kathleen , Lambert Mia , Diaz-Sylvester Paula , Delfino Kristin , Seacrist Brooke , Martin Jongjin Anne , Nelson Erica 
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Breastfeeding provides many infant, maternal and societal benefits. Breastfeeding reduces maternal and infant risks for a number of diseases, encourages maternal-infant bonding, is more environmentally friendly and lowers healthcare costs. Based on the most recent Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program data, the obstetrical patient population served by the Department of Ob/Gyn at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (SIU-SM) was significantly lacking in breastfeeding initiation rates (~16% in 2020) when compared to the Healthy People 2020 goal for ever breastfed infants of 81.9%. We aimed to assess areas of patient care that could be improved upon when counseling our patients about breastfeeding.

Purpose: Our primary goal was to evaluate current breastfeeding initiation rates and whether these improved after implementation of the standardized breastfeeding education materials that were to be provided to both healthcare professionals and patients.

Methods: In partnership with the Illinois Public Health Institute (IPHI), all patients who received prenatal care at SIU-SM, Department of Ob/Gyn were offered standardized brochures that supplemented our prenatal counseling regarding breastfeeding. Nurses, residents, and other healthcare providers were also provided information on counseling patients. Breastfeeding rates were assessed in our prenatal population prior to and after implementing standardized breastfeeding educational materials (IRB# 22-133) and compared with Chi-square tests.

Results: Patient demographics were as follows: 55.9% White, 31.8% Black/African American; 95.7% non-Hispanic; 93.4% utilized Medicaid services for insurance; the mean age was 26.8 ± 6.1 years of age. Baseline breastfeeding initiation rates of ever breastfed infants were significantly higher in the interventional group compared to the control group (75% vs.60%; p=0.002). Breastfeeding rates at the first postpartum visit were also significantly increased after the intervention (65% vs. 43%; p=0.008). A significant increase in the percentage of breast pumps provided in the prenatal clinic was also noted (28.4% vs. 0%; p<0.0001).

Conclusions: Breastfeeding rates in our patient population were significantly lower than the Healthy People’s 2020 goal. Raising awareness through this initiative and improving our educational tools via the partnership with IPHI improved breastfeeding initiation rates. As obstetrical providers, we are optimistic about this data, but acknowledge additional interventions may be necessary to improve health equity across our disadvantaged patient population. Future directions include looking at data for ever breastfed infants vs. continuation of breastfeeding through the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding. We would also like to explore how partner involvement and occupation type might impact breastfeeding initiation rates.