Mother's Milk: A Holistic Approach to Lactation Education
Mother's Milk: A Holistic Approach to Lactation Education
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Issue Date
2012
Authors
Farris, Courtney
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Abstract
Breastfeeding rates in the United States are low compared to most other countries around the world. Since breastfeeding has many health benefits over the lifetime for both mother and baby, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of lactation education in order to improve upon the dissemination of important information to new and expectant mothers. This project addresses the gap in current approaches to lactation education in this country, which typically only attempt to prepare new mothers for the early postpartum period. The design created meets the needs of the new mother's mind, body, and spirit, providing her with the tools she needs for prolonged breastfeeding. The program includes a three-hour workshop featuring lectures covering breastfeeding basics, lifestyle, lactation, and pumping and the working mother. Additionally, to address the new mother's emotional and spiritual needs, this program comprises a six-week support group and an online community forum. All of these components work together to create a holistic approach to lactation education.