Correlates of Professional Breastfeeding Perceived Role, Perceived Influence, and Confidence in Providing Lactation Support Among Registered Dietitians and Registered Nurses

Abstract

Lactation support from health professionals is a crucial social determinant of health. Registered dietitians (RDs) and registered nurses (RNs) can play an important role in supporting breastfeeding, yet most have minimal formal lactation education and training. This study seeks to explore the correlates of professional breastfeeding perceived role, perceived influence, and confidence in providing lactation support among RDs and RNs. Using a cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of 111 credentialed providers completed an online survey assessing their breastfeeding-related training, experiences, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. We also examined perceptions of social support, intentions for future breastfeeding, professional roles, and confidence in lactation support. We tested for relationships between variables using chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Mann–Whitney U tests and identified which correlates were associated with the dependent variables using bivariate logistic regression. Respondents who were breastfed as infants were 3.4 times more likely to agree that it is their responsibility to highlight health problems associated with infant formula when giving breastfeeding advice (p = 0.009). Those agreeing that people around them support breastfeeding were 8.0 times more likely to believe they can influence a woman’s breastfeeding decision and duration (p = 0.05). Respondents working in maternal/child/family health were 14.3 times more likely to feel confident in their ability to provide lactation counseling, guidance, and recommendations (p = 0.03). Educational institutions and employers should provide all RDs and RNs with opportunities for personal reflection and lactation training while strengthening breastfeeding social norms.