In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty dives into the latest research articles from her Google Scholar alerts, exploring how recent findings can enhance the practice of IBCLCs. Each week, Margaret brings you key insights from the latest studies, breaking down complex research into actionable strategies for lactation consultants. Whether you're a seasoned IBCLC or just starting your journey, these episodes will keep you at the forefront of evidence-based lactation care.

Be sure to check out the blog post on how to stay up-to-date with current research here: https://margaretsalty.com/2023/12/08/research

Key Points Covered:

Associations Between Hospital Nursing Resources and Breastfeeding Outcomes: A Narrative Review

Margaret reviews a study that explores the relationship between hospital nurse staffing levels, work environments, and missed nursing care with breastfeeding outcomes. The findings reveal that better nurse-to-patient ratios and positive work environments lead to improved breastfeeding support, particularly in maternity and NICU units. However, the study also highlights disparities in care, especially in hospitals serving minority populations, which tend to have fewer resources and lower breastfeeding success rates.

Impact of Theory of Planned Behavior-Based Intervention on Breastfeeding Patterns of Mothers with Preterm Infants: A Randomized Trial

Margaret delves into a study that investigates the effectiveness of a psychological intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to support exclusive breastfeeding among mothers of preterm infants. The research shows that focusing on attitudes, social norms, and behavioral control led to significant improvements in breastfeeding outcomes, demonstrating the importance of structured support for this vulnerable population.

Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among US Children

Margaret examines the current trends in exclusive breastfeeding rates in the U.S., based on data from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH). The study shows a slow but steady increase in exclusive breastfeeding at 4 and 6 months, although the rates remain below the national targets set by Healthy People 2030. Margaret highlights the importance of continued advocacy and education to close this gap.

Practical Application for IBCLCs:

Margaret synthesizes the research findings into practical tips for IBCLCs, including:

1. Advocating for Better Staffing: Use the research on nursing resources to push for better staffing levels in hospitals to improve breastfeeding outcomes.
2. Applying Psychological Interventions: Integrate elements from the Theory of Planned Behavior into consultations with mothers of preterm infants to address psychological barriers to breastfeeding.
3. Supporting Long-Term Exclusive Breastfeeding: Focus on extended support for mothers to help them reach the 6-month exclusive breastfeeding goal, particularly in families affected by smoking or other challenges.

Conclusion:

Staying updated with the latest research is essential for providing the best care as an IBCLC. By integrating evidence-based interventions and educational strategies, you can directly enhance breastfeeding success and support the families you work with more effectively. Be sure to tune in each week as we continue to explore the latest insights from the world of lactation science.

References:

Mason, A., Lake, E. T., & Clark, R. R. S. (2024). Associations between hospital nursing resources and breastfeeding outcomes: A narrative review. Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, 00(00), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1097/JPN.0000000000000859​:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Okhovat, S., Janighorban, M., & Kazemi, A. (2024). Impact of theory of planned behavior-based intervention on breastfeeding patterns of the mothers with preterm infants: A randomized trial. BMC Public Health, 24(2643). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20059-x​:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Ding, G., Wen, C., Chen, Y., Vinturache, A., & Zhang, Y. (2024). Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among US children. JAMA Network Open, 7(9), e2436644. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.36644​:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

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Credits:

Hosted by: Margaret Salty

Music by: The Magnifiers, "My Time Traveling Machine"

Hashtags and Keywords:

#IBCLC #LactationConsultant #BreastfeedingResearch #LactationMentor #EvidenceBasedPractice