The article by Coffman (2019) outlines the benefits of breastfeeding and strategies that Nurse Practitioners (NP) can use to encourage mothers to overcome obstacles in breastfeeding. One of the interesting learnings from the article is that despite the proven benefits of breastfeeding, including proper health and development of the baby, only 25% of children undergo exclusive breastfeeding up to six months (Coffman, 2019). Thus, there is a need to promote exclusive breastfeeding in the country and globally. I have also learned that NPs are uniquely positioned to work with breastfeeding mothers and support them on the journey by eliminating the barriers that nursing mothers face. Evidence supports lactation support, mother’s confidence, and education as critical elements that encourage breastfeeding (Hernández-Cordero et al., 2020). Hence, NPs can ensure that breastfeeding mothers have all the support and relevant information to obtain an optimal breastfeeding experience. The author also notes that the main challenge in lactation support in healthcare is the lack of training and knowledge in lactation.
The insights from the article are useful for NPs to support breastfeeding mothers. As an NP, I will use the information to create the risk and benefits of breastfeeding when educating lactating mothers. This will enable the mothers to learn the benefits far outweigh the risks, motivating them to practice exclusive breastfeeding (Yang et al., 2018). Additionally, I will incorporate evidence-based practice in educating and supporting lactation mothers to breastfeed.
Mohrbacher (2015) shows a lack of access to breastfeeding information and support groups, creating an obstacle for lactating mothers as most end up abandoning exclusive breastfeeding. Moreover, in the digital era, the needs of others are different from the older generation, creating an opportunity to use technology to provide information on lactation. Thus, the article provides vital information on various digital platforms that support breastfeeding mothers, for example, breastfeeding apps, tablet breastfeeding programs, online communities, and phone-based support groups for lactating mothers. The article also indicates that digital platforms have downsides that can compromise the lactation journey because of information overload. For example, breastfeeding apps collect immense data but do not interpret it to the mothers, creating confusion.
The concepts from the article will inform my education strategies for lactating mothers. For example, I will start lactation education for my patients while they are still expectant rather than waiting to start during the postpartum phase. Evidence shows that mothers who receive breastfeeding education during their third trimester are likely to retain the information and unlikely to stop breastfeeding after a few months of initiating it (Mohrbacher, 2015). Additionally, educating and supporting women on timely initiation of lactation promotes longer adherence to exclusive breastfeeding (Hernández-Cordero et al., 2020).
Melanie et al. (2016) disclose that breastfeeding black women face many challenges, making them have the lowest breastfeeding rates. I have learned that some of the challenges lactating black women face include patient profiling, the absence of mentors, lack of support from healthcare providers, and cultural myths. Another interesting fact from the article is that the low rates of breastfeeding among black women are partly attributed to the increase in accessibility to formula milk. Similarly, the study revealed that Google is an essential tool among women to source information on breastfeeding (Melanie et al., 2016). Hence, today’s women rely on technology for information rather than family and friends.
The insights from the article are valuable for developing a patient education program tailored to the needs of lactating black women. Knowing the challenges faced by this population, I will develop education programs for lactating mothers that demystify and dispel the myths that discourage black women from practicing exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months. My education approach will also teach the patients that baby formula is only a supplement and not a replacement for the mother’s milk. The mothers need to understand that exclusive breastfeeding is cheaper and has more benefits than formula milk. Finally, Melanie et al. (2016) reiterate the importance of family and health provider support, which I will incorporate in my interventions to ensure that lactating mothers have support throughout the journey.
Coffman, L. (2019). The NP’s role in promoting and supporting breastfeeding. The Nurse
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