 Talking with Patients How to Discuss Breastfeeding with Mothers

Goals and Objectives  Initiate and participate in conversations regarding breastfeeding with mothers.  Describe at least 2 risk factors for mothers needing extra attention when discussing feeding.

Influences on Feeding Choice  Personal experiences  Family  Friends  Provider attitudes  Community

Personal Comfort  Culture and Beliefs  Past experiences  Knowledge  Believe in the message

When to Talk  Early and often  During labor  Within 1hr of delivery  Prior to discharge

Nonverbal Cues  Body language  Eye contact  Sit at patient’s level  Remove barriers  Actively listen

Starting the Talk  No right answers  Open ended questions  Patient lead discussion

Openers  Your new patient is a first time mother admitted for a scheduled induction. How would you start the discussion on breastfeeding with her? What words do you use?

Words Matter  Simple language  Non-judgmental words  Stay positive  Questions with no wrong answers

Language exercise  Rewrite these questions/statements:  Is the baby feeding often enough?  Are you making good milk?  Are you having any difficulty with engorgement?  Is your baby growing well?  Do not give anything other than breastmilk to the baby for the first 6 months.

Language and Culture  Interpreter services  Ask if you don’t know  Identify potentially harmful practices and redirect  Support healthy practices

Encouragement

Support  Be a team player  Physical support  Emotional support  Medical support

Difficult Situations  Language and cultural barriers  Family issues  Medical situations

Family Issues  Ask about the mother’s home and family  Report abuse or neglect  Talking to the whole family improves support

Medical Situations  Emergencies  Chronic diseases  Provide additional support  Refer early to lactation consultant

Finishing Up  Reiterate main points  Answer questions  Encourage  Offer ongoing support services  Printed materials

Last Thoughts  Questions?  Take home points…