A Home Visit Program for Breastfeeding Education and Support

Ka'nisténhsera Teiakotíhsnie's: A Native Community Rekindles the Tradition of Breastfeeding

“…In reports on breastfeeding duration, Bourgoin et al (1997) and Johnson, Brennan, and Tymkow (1999) reported that the most successful breastfeeders were the ones who had support. While education was important during the decision-making process, the actual success was affected by hands-on support by spouses, family, friends and professionals.…”

“…Although telephone access to a health professional was of some use during the days of initiating breastfeeding, it was insufficient in supporting women trying to overcome the difficulties they encountered during these early postpartum days. Johnson, Brennan, and Tymkow (1999) concluded that it was the physical presence in the home, providing hands-on care and emotional support that significantly affected the woman's choice to continue with breastfeeding during the trying postpartum weeks.…”

A Concept Analysis of Effective Breastfeeding

“…The concept of effective or successful breastfeeding has been used to describe the individual breastfeeding session (Jensen, Wallace, & Kelsay, 1994; Matthews, 1988; Nyqvist et al, 1996), the characteristics of several breastfeeding sessions across a short duration, such as 24 hours (Johnson, Brennan, & Flynn‐Tymkow, 1999; Shrago & Bocar, 1990; Tobin, 1996), or the duration of breastfeeding in weeks or months (Hamelin & McLennan, 2000; Janke, 1994; Langley, 1998; Leff et al, 1994). For the purposes of this analysis, the concept of effective breastfeeding was reviewed in relation only to the interactive process that occurs during the individual breastfeeding session.…”

“…The mother must also recognize when the infant should be awakened to breastfeed, despite the lack of hunger cues, and be prepared to take action to breastfeed (Barger & Kutner, 1999; Karl, 2004). Mothers need to be taught the elements of good positioning, latch (Ingram et al, 2002), sucking (Escott, 1989; Johnson et al, 1999), signs of milk transfer (Mulford), and the expected outcomes of effective breastfeeding in order to successfully manage breastfeeding once they are discharged from the hospital (AWHONN, 2000).…”

Breastfeeding Support

“…Gill lists several helpful ideas in her article for assistance during the hospital stay, but there are also postdischarge roles nurses can play. Many insurance companies offer the mother one home nursing visit postpartum, and some facilities have begun using this visit to promote breastfeeding (Johnson, Brennan, & Flynn-Tymkow, 1999;Locklin & Jansson, 1999). Describing this effort, Johnson et al reported:…”