Prenatal Education and Postpartum Support: Influence on Maternal Self-Efficacy and Breastfeeding Rates

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding possesses benefits for mother and infant. According to the CDC (2015), 80% of mothers in the United States who initiate breastfeeding do not continue as intended due to milk supply concerns, latching issues and lack of support in personal life and workplace (CDC, 2018). These issues may be rectified through the utilization of prenatal education and telephonic postpartum support. Purpose: The purpose of this QI project was to provide education in the prenatal period and telephonic postpartum support to increase maternal self-efficacy and EBF rates up until two weeks postpartum. Methods: Quantitative descriptive design was utilized for this QI project. One participant received prenatal breastfeeding education via kinesthetic education on various holds using an infant mannequin one week prior to her delivery date. Participant was also provided with telephonic postpartum support on a weekly basis for two weeks postpartum. Results: Maternal self-efficacy did improve after the intervention as evidenced through the pre-and post-survey scores. Two days after delivery (participant delivered two days prior to delivery date), the infant had two bottles of formula due to medical issues. At one week post-delivery, the infant received 100% breastmilk. Two weeks post-delivery date the infant received 100% breastmilk. Conclusion: Research does support prenatal breastfeeding education and postpartum support used in combination to increase maternal self-efficacy and breastfeeding rates. This quality improvement project does provide a promising insight on how to improve maternal self-efficacy and EBF rates in teens within the Starting Out Right prenatal program.