Allyson Wessells, PT, IBCLC
Breastfeeding is an art, however, in our contemporary society contributing to evidence that informs the service to sustain this art is imperative. At Nurture, our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) strive to provide evidence-based care, which requires a balance of ever evolving research, clinical skills, and patient values.1 We are proud to have contributed to research with a recent publication in the Journal of Clinical Lactation entitled “In-Home IBCLC Care and Duration of Breastfeeding: A Mixed Methods Study.”
What was the aim of this study?
Breastmilk is recommended to be the primary source of nutrition throughout the first year of life yet 12-month duration rates lag.2 IBCLC care is a possible factor for improving these rates. There was no published research analyzing 12-month breastfeeding outcomes as related to individual goals and the experience of receiving IBCLC care. We aimed to begin to fill this research gap by analyzing 12-month breastfeeding duration outcomes after receiving in-home IBCLC care.
How did we gather data?
Anonymous surveys sent to Nurture clients at least 1 year after initiating care were analyzed. The survey consisted of 20 questions with analysis focusing on breastfeeding goals, infant age at initiation of care, number of visits, insurance coverage, confidence before and after services, and duration of any breastfeeding.
What were the results?
The majority of respondents had three or fewer visits, infants less than 4 weeks old upon initiation of care, goals to breastfeed for at least 6 months, and insurance coverage for the visits. Confidence levels of less than 50% prior to services were reported by most respondents. Levels increased to greater than 80% after services among a majority of respondents. Improved breastfeeding duration rates to 6 months (90%) and 12 months (73%) were achieved by most respondents compared to national rates of 55.8% and 35.9%. Consistent themes included appreciation for the in-home setting, insurance coverage, and confidence gained with care.
What is the conclusion?
The IBCLC profession exists for parents and babies. A mother’s voice regarding IBCLC care experience is vital to meeting expectations as related to individual goals. While we are but one practice, we hope this analysis can be a foundation for continued research. We are excited to be a part of evidence that nurtures practice, policy and ultimately health outcomes across lifespans!
- Connor L, Dean J, McNett M, Tydings DM, Shrout A, Gorsuch PF, Hole A, Moore L, Brown R, Melnyk BM, Gallagher-Ford L. Evidence-based practice improves patient outcomes and healthcare system return on investment: Findings from a scoping review. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2023 Feb;20(1):6-15. doi: 10.1111/wvn.12621. Epub 2023 Feb 8. PMID: 36751881.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-data/survey/results.html