In-home vs. Outpatient Lactation Care: A Comparison of Breastfeeding/ Chestfeeding Self-efficacy, Experiences, and Outcomes

Background: Even though exclusive breastfeeding/ chestfeeding for the first six months of life is recommended, the actual rate of exclusive breastfeeding/ chestfeeding in the United States is 62.6% at birth and only 24.9% at 6 months. It is known that access to lactation consultants in the early postpartum period is vital to supporting women in achieving their breastfeeding/ chestfeeding goals, and the passing of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 enables more women to access and afford lactation care. However, we have limited knowledge regarding what type(s) of lactation support are most beneficial for new mothers.

Research Aim: This study aims to compare how in-home vs. outpatient lactation visits play a role in the mother’s breastfeeding/ chestfeeding self-efficacy, experiences, and outcomes.

Methods: This mixed methods survey will be delivered electronically. Mothers living in the United States, who have breastfed/ chestfed a healthy baby within the last 12 years, will be recruited via social media and lactation consultant networks. Demographic data, breastfeeding/ chestfeeding outcomes, and breastfeeding/ chestfeeding self-efficacy will be collected quantitatively. Mothers’ experiences regarding postpartum lactation visits will be collected qualitatively.

Results: This data is being collected until June 30, 2023, at which time it will be analyzed, and results will be available for presentation.

Conclusions: The findings of this study can help to inform best practices in postpartum lactation support, and help effect policy change to improve breastfeeding/ chestfeeding outcomes.

Publication: Not applicable

Diversity and Inclusion: Our goal is that all individuals we encounter are treated with dignity and respect and feel supported in the journey of nourishing a child. The language used in recruiting materials, consent forms, and within the project aims to be inclusive by referring to the action as both breastfeeding and chestfeeding. Additionally, the language of the study does not specify any gender associated with the breastfeeding/ chestfeeding parent nor the partner.

This study was also supported by the author:
Krishna Bhagat – Assistant Professor, Benedictine University

Additional Link: https://margaretsalty.com/research/