Clinical Lactation Practice: 20 Years of Evidence

Lactation consultants depend on a vast multidisciplinary knowledge base to support their practices. To coincide with the 20-year anniversary of the International Lactation Consultant Association, the authors sought to highlight the knowledge base to demonstrate how practice has been affected. Using...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of human lactation 2005-08, Vol.21 (3), p.245-258
Main Authors: Wambach, Karen, Campbell, Suzanne Hetzel, Gill, Sara L., Dodgson, Joan E., Abiona, Titilayo C., Heinig, M. Jane
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Breast Feeding
Care and treatment
Counseling
Demographic aspects
Evidence-Based Medicine
Female
Global Health
Health aspects
Health Promotion - methods
Humans
Lactation - physiology
Lactation disorders
Nursing
Nursing specialties
Practice
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Summary:Lactation consultants depend on a vast multidisciplinary knowledge base to support their practices. To coincide with the 20-year anniversary of the International Lactation Consultant Association, the authors sought to highlight the knowledge base to demonstrate how practice has been affected. Using standard databases, they extracted English-language scientific literature related to breastfeeding and maternal and infant health outcomes; factors associated with breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and duration; lactation physiology; common breastfeeding challenges; breastfeeding practices within vulnerable populations; health professional support of breastfeeding; and breastfeeding practices in developing countries of Africa. Summaries of research are provided to demonstrate scientific method and knowledge evolution. As the knowledge of the biological, behavioral, and environmental factors that affect breastfeeding continues to grow, researchers and lactation consultants will identify additional research areas. Thus, the cycle of describing and explaining phenomena, testing interventions to improve practice, and ultimately improving breastfeeding outcomes worldwide will continue.
ISSN:0890-3344
1552-5732
DOI:10.1177/0890334405279001