Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion
Fall 12-7-2025
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Daisy Mullassery
Abstract
PURPOSE
This quality improvement project aimed to increase breastfeeding initiation within one hour of birth among eligible mothers and improve maternal confidence during the first feed.
BACKGROUND
Breastfeeding provides significant benefits for infants and mothers; however, many mothers receive limited education prior to delivery, contributing to low initiation rates. Early labor breastfeeding education has been shown to improve knowledge, confidence, and initiation outcomes.
METHODOLOGY
A pre-post quality improvement design using the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework was implemented in a Level IV maternal care unit. The intervention included a standardized breastfeeding education flyer with graphics and a QR code video provided during early labor. Nurses were educated during daily huddles to support consistent implementation. A total of 1,566 vaginal delivery charts were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square testing.
RESULTS
Breastfeeding initiation increased from 21.4% to 46%. The proportion of mothers requiring full assistance during the first feed decreased from 71.4% to 44%, while those requiring some assistance increased from 28.6% to 56%. All nurses (n=115) completed education, and 100% of surveyed patients (n=72) reported improved confidence following the intervention.
IMPLICATIONS
Standardized breastfeeding education during early labor improved initiation rates and maternal confidence in this setting. Integration into routine labor workflows is feasible in high-volume units. Ongoing reinforcement of staff education is needed to ensure consistent implementation. Expansion of the intervention to additional patient populations and settings may further improve outcomes. Future quality improvement efforts should evaluate long-term breastfeeding outcomes and sustainability.
Keywords
Breastfeeding initiation, maternal confidence, early labor education, lactation support, multimedia education, visual learning tools, neonatal outcomes, obstetric nursing, labor and delivery, hospital-based intervention, clinical practice improvement
Recommended Citation
Janet Rebollar-Trejo, "Improving Breastfeeding Confidence and Initiation Rates Through Flyer-Based Education in a Labor and Delivery Setting" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 146.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/146