A home visit program for breastfeeding education and support

Abstract

A home visit program for breastfeeding education and intervention was developed to provide support for mothers and infants at risk for breastfeeding failure. This program was developed to supplement the Early Discharge Program for mothers and newborns who were discharged within 24 hours of delivery. A breastfeeding assessment tool was developed for use in the hospital and during the early discharge home visit. Home visits are provided by a registered nurse with mother-infant assessment skills and competence to provide breastfeeding education, problem management, emotional support, and referrals to lactation consultants or physicians as needed. The response from patients and physicians has been positive. As the demand for services grew, the program was modified to include other mothers and infants (e.g., those delivering via cesarean and high-risk, preterm, and borderline preterm infants in need of breastfeeding support). The readmission rate for breastfeeding infants who receive a home visit is lower than for infants who do not receive a home visit. Patient satisfaction surveys have been positive.