Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7006-5186

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Problem/Project Report

Degree Type

OTD

College

School of Medicine

Department

Occupational Therapy

Committee Chair

Amy Burt

Committee Co-Chair

Cara Daubenspeck

Committee Member

Kayleigh Nolan

Committee Member

Heather Livengood

Abstract

Many benefits to breastfeeding exist for both mothers and infants, yet exclusive breastfeeding rates remain low across the nation. These benefits include decreased chance of infections for infants, low infant mortality, and decreased chances of breast and ovarian cancers for mothers (Binns et al., 2016; CDC, 2023). Education strategies have recently become imperative for health organizations to help mothers sustain their ability to breastfeed within the recommended six-month timeframe. Current literature on education supports that women who receive education at some point in their lactation journey are more likely to reach the six-month period and have more confidence in their ability to provide for their infant (Alianmoghaddam et al., 2018; Silva et al., 2016; Tseng et al., 2020). Occupational therapists are experts in role promotion and addressing routines to make them more effective. Therefore, occupational therapists may have a role in breastfeeding promotion to help women reach their occupational goals of breastfeeding and improve health outcomes for mothers and infants on a population level (Pitonyak, 2014; Visser et al., 2016). To demonstrate the need for occupational therapists in the field of lactation, a five-week postpartum breastfeeding course was developed to be implemented in the community. One participant attended all five sessions and completed a pre- and post-survey. Results from the COPM demonstrated an improved sense of importance (pre-average: 6.4, post-average: 8.3) and satisfaction (pre-average: 4.4, post-average: 6.4) in breastfeeding-related occupational performance. The BSES-S also demonstrated a self-reported improved sense of self-efficacy regarding breastfeeding (pre: 49, post: 55). Limitations of the study included a higher level of one-on-one support than the program intended and the lack of diversity in participant experience.

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