1.  Talking with Patients How to Discuss Breastfeeding with Mothers

2. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

8. 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?

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

10. 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.

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

12. Encouragement

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

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

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

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

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

18. Last Thoughts  Questions?  Take home points…