Impact of Inpatient Lactation Nurse Visit Frequency and Duration on Feeding Outcomes: A Retrospective Review.

IF 2.1 3区医学 Q2 OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Breastfeeding Medicine Pub Date : 2026-12-01 Epub Date: 2026-08-13 DOI:10.1177/15568253261476456

Miranda L Byrd, Mary G Carey

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Inpatient lactation support is essential for establishing breastfeeding, yet disparities in support and feeding outcomes persist across racial and ethnic groups. The objective of this project was to evaluate the frequency and duration of inpatient lactation nurse visits and determine whether support intensity aligned with parental feeding goals through the lens of racial and ethnic demographics.

Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed electronic health record data from 633 mother-infant dyads (≥37 weeks, rooming-in level care) discharged from a postpartum unit at a U.S. Magnet-designated academic medical center between September and December 2024. Nurse-documented data were extracted from the medical record for the number of visits with a lactation nurse and the estimated duration of bedside support, recorded as categorical time ranges. Total bedside time was calculated using the midpoints of documented time ranges.

Results: The sample was 69.7% White, 11.7% Black, and 8.4% Hispanic. The mean number of lactation nurse visits was 3.46 (standard deviation [SD] = 1.52), with a mean total bedside time of 64 minutes. Support intensity was similar across racial and ethnic groups. However, significant differences emerged when results were sorted by feeding goals. Dyads who initially intended to exclusively breastfeed but utilized formula supplementation received the highest support intensity, averaging 3.97 visits (SD = 1.63) and 79 minutes of bedside time. Comparatively, those who met their exclusive breastfeeding goal received 3.33 visits and an average of 64 minutes with lactation.

Conclusions: Inpatient lactation support was distributed equally by racial and ethnic groups but varied significantly based on clinical acuity and adjustments in feeding plans. The increased support provided to families struggling to meet exclusivity goals reflects a responsive, acuity-based model of care. Specialized lactation support remains a vital clinical intervention for bridging the gap between parental intentions and inpatient feeding outcomes.

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住院哺乳期护士访问频率和持续时间对喂养结果的影响：一项回顾性研究。

背景：住院哺乳支持对于建立母乳喂养至关重要，然而在支持和喂养结果方面存在种族和民族群体的差异。该项目的目的是评估住院哺乳护士访问的频率和持续时间，并通过种族和民族人口统计数据确定支持强度是否符合父母喂养目标。方法：回顾性分析了2024年9月至12月期间从美国磁体指定的学术医疗中心产后病房出院的633对母婴（≥37周，合住护理）的电子健康记录数据。从医疗记录中提取护士记录的数据，包括与哺乳期护士的就诊次数和床边支持的估计持续时间，记录为分类时间范围。总床边时间使用记录时间范围的中点计算。结果：样本中白人占69.7%，黑人占11.7%，西班牙裔占8.4%。哺乳期护士平均访视次数为3.46次（标准差[SD] = 1.52），平均总床边时间为64分钟。不同种族和民族的支持强度相似。然而，当结果按喂养目标排序时，显著差异出现了。最初打算纯母乳喂养但使用配方奶粉补充的夫妇获得了最高的支持强度，平均3.97次就诊（SD = 1.63）和79分钟的床边时间。相比之下，那些达到纯母乳喂养目标的人接受了3.33次就诊，平均母乳喂养时间为64分钟。结论：住院哺乳支持在种族和民族中分布均匀，但在临床敏锐度和喂养计划调整方面存在显著差异。向努力实现排他性目标的家庭提供的更多支持反映了一种响应性的、基于敏锐性的护理模式。专门的哺乳支持仍然是弥合父母意图和住院患者喂养结果之间差距的重要临床干预。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Breastfeeding Medicine OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY-PEDIATRICS

CiteScore

4.20

自引率

11.10%

发文量

130

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： Breastfeeding Medicine provides unparalleled peer-reviewed research, protocols, and clinical applications to ensure optimal care for mother and infant. The Journal answers the growing demand for evidence-based research and explores the immediate and long-term outcomes of breastfeeding, including its epidemiologic, physiologic, and psychological benefits. It is the exclusive source of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine protocols. Breastfeeding Medicine coverage includes: Breastfeeding recommendations and protocols Health consequences of artificial feeding Physiology of lactation and biochemistry of breast milk Optimal nutrition for the breastfeeding mother Breastfeeding indications and contraindications Managing breastfeeding discomfort, pain, and other complications Breastfeeding the premature or sick infant Breastfeeding in the chronically ill mother Management of the breastfeeding mother on medication Infectious disease transmission through breast milk and breastfeeding The collection and storage of human milk and human milk banking Measuring the impact of being a “baby-friendly” hospital Cultural competence and cultural sensitivity International public health issues including social and economic issues.