Breastfeeding Support Reported by FutureRegistered Dietitian Nutritionists Following Advanced Breastfeeding Education

• Published in: Journal of nutrition education and behavior 2023-07, Vol.55 (7), p.47-47
• Main Authors: Douglas, Crystal, Camel, Simone
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1499-4046; 1878-2620
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.05.101

Evaluate the effectiveness of an advanced breastfeeding and lactation management education integrated into graduate-level dietetic internships to promote future Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) breastfeeding support. The theory of active learning informed the development of learning modules incorporating demonstration and practice with a comprehensive set of “hands-on” models. The self-efficacy construct was a measured outcome related to interns’ ability to teach and problem-solve with future clients. Graduate-level students enrolled in coordinated didactic courses as part of three independent ACEND-accredited dietetic internships. Four one-hour teaching modules developed and delivered by RDNs included lectures, demonstrations, and practice with models (anatomical breast, human milk composition, belly beads, breast pumps and flanges, infant models). Two modules were delivered face-to-face and two remotely. Lecture content included maternal and infant benefits, common barriers, policy, infant latch, feeding positions, contraindications, drug safety, mother's nutrition, and lactation service referrals. A pre- and post-test design was employed. Confidential, self-administered surveys obtained demographics, assessed knowledge, and measured attitude and self-efficacy using a 5-point Likert scale. Non-parametric statistics determined significance. Program feedback items were included in the post-survey. Interns (N=38) were predominantly female (94.7%), White (73.7%), and ≤ 25 years (71.1%). The mean pre-intervention knowledge score was relatively high (M=8.11 ± 2.08) yet, post-knowledge scores increased (M = 10.2 ± 2.09). A Wilcoxon signed-rank test demonstrated significance (Z = -3.302, p