Education for New and Expecting Mothers about Compatible Medications to Take During Lactation

Abstract

In the United States, over 81% of women breastfeed their children. As this number continues to rise, a need for education on safe lactation practices could prove to be beneficial for breastfeeding mothers. Of the community support groups offered, there is very little education on what medications are compatible with breastfeeding. This led to the development of an educational information session with a focus on compatibility of the most commonly used supplements, over-the-counter and prescription medications. It was designed to increase the knowledge of breastfeeding and expecting mothers. This study was performed at the hope Clinic for Women in Nashville, Tennessee and consisted of seven subjects. Prior to the session, a pre-session assessment was given to the subjects to acquire baseline knowledge of compatible medications with breastfeeding. After the information session was completed, the same assessment was given to determine improvement in baseline knowledge. The primary endpoint was to see a 20% relative increase in the average post-session assessment score after the 30-minute informational session. The session consisted of an introduction to breastfeeding, compatible supplements, over-thecounter and prescription medications, along with tips for appropriately taking medications. According to the results of the post-session assessment, all participants showed an increase in scores from baseline and the goal of a 20% relative increase in the average post-session score was met. This demonstrated an increase in baseline knowledge in subjects receiving an educational information session regarding compatible medication with lactation.