Impact of a Formal Lactation Curriculum for Residents on Breastfeeding Rates Among Low-Income Women.

Adetola Louis-Jacques, University of South Florida
Emma Qureshy MS1, Lehigh Valley Health Network
Joanne Quiñones MD, MSCE, Lehigh Valley Health Network
Maureen Groer, University of South Florida
Sandra L. Curet MD, Lehigh Valley Health Network
Yasir Abunamous BA, USF MCOM-LVHN Campus

Poster # P-2

Presenting Author: Adetola Louis-Jacques

Abstract

Background: Due to lack of breastfeeding training, many physicians are unable to address basic breastfeeding needs. Previous studies have demonstrated that obstetrics-gynecology residents and practicing physicians do not have adequate training in lactation management. A formal breastfeeding curriculum has been shown to increase physician knowledge and improve breastfeeding rates in their patients. Objective: The goal of this study is to investigate the impact of a targeted lactation curriculum for obstetrics and gynecology residents on breastfeeding rates in a diverse low income popu- lation. Study design: A retrospective cohort study was performed at a community based, university affiliated hospital, one resi- dency program implemented the curriculum. Breastfeeding outcomes of women with a singleton live-born infant at term gestation were analyzed before and after implementation of curriculum. Detailed demographic information, medical his- tory, and breastfeeding rates were derived from hospital lac- tation record log and electronic medical records from the clinic and hospital where residents trained. The v2, independent- sample t tests and Mann Whitney U tests were used where appropriate. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was also performed. Results: The study included 717 women, 337 prior to inter- vention and 380 after intervention. The mean age was 25 years, most women were multiparous (64%), unemployed (61%), Hispanic (57%), married or in a stable relationship (76%). The women who delivered after institution of the curriculum were more likely to breastfeed exclusively at 6 weeks postpartum (OR: 1.96 [95% CI: 1.24-3.11]). Another factor significantly associ- ated with exclusive breastfeeding at 6 weeks was being in a stable relationship (P <.04). Conclusions: A targeted breastfeeding curriculum for ob- stetrics and gynecology residents was associated with an increase in exclusive breastfeeding rates at six weeks postpartum in their diverse low-income patients.