Impacting Positive Breastfeeding Attitudes of Prelicensure Nursing Students Using an Evidence-based Breastfeeding Module

Abstract

Background: Robust evidence demonstrates optimal breastfeeding behaviors provide unmatched short- and long-term health outcomes. Therefore, breast milk feeding is more than a feeding decision; it is a significant public health concern. Breast milk is species-specific nutrition for a developing infant. The health impact of providing breastmilk extends to the lactating parent. However, the existing breastfeeding education is often inadequate to support the care of the breastfeeding dyad. The dissertation examines the role breastfeeding plays in prelicensure nursing education and analyzes the use of an evidence-based breastfeeding educational module (EBBM) on breastfeeding attitudes.Method: An integrative review analyzed the current state of breastfeeding education for prelicensure nursing students. An evidence-based breastfeeding educational module (EBBM) was developed and evaluated using a quasi-experimental study design. The study used a pretest-posttest approach and was conducted in two university settings examining the breastfeeding attitudes of prelicensure nursing students (PNS). Results: The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) measured the breastfeeding attitudes of the PNS. A statistically significant increase was found between the pretest breastfeeding attitude of PNS and the posttest breastfeeding attitude (t = 11.761, df = 72, p