APGO

Shannon, LS, Leveridge, MD
University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL

OBJECTIVES: Breastfeeding has been shown to have numerous health benefits for mothers and newborns, but multiple studies demonstrate that physicians lack the training necessary to support the breastfeeding efforts of their patients. We implemented a targeted breastfeeding curriculum for OB/GYN resident physicians and evaluated whether or not there was an increase in knowledge and confidence surrounding breastfeeding care. We also assessed for changes in resident practice patterns and patient breastfeeding rates.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort of 20 OB/GYN residents participated in the initiation of breastfeeding curriculum modeled after the novel curriculum developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics in conjunction with experts from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Family Physicians, and Association of Pediatric Program Directors. The residents completed pretests and posttests before and during implementation of this curriculum. Breastfeeding rates routinely gathered by the hospital staff lactation consultant were also reviewed prior to and during the curriculum implementation.

RESULTS: Resident physicians showed significant gains in both knowledge (mean increased from 62.2 to 73.1, p= 0.005) and confidence (mean increased from 4.1 to 5.5, p= 0.024). There was no demonstrable change in practice patterns among residents who participated and there was no effect on breastfeeding rates among patients at the time data was gathered.

CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a breastfeeding curriculum for OB/GYN residents had a positive impact on the physicians’ knowledge and confidence regarding breastfeeding. Implementing this curriculum with pediatric and family medicine residents may have a similar benefit. While we were unable demonstrate increases in patient breastfeeding rates, expansion and continuation of this curriculum may result in breastfeeding increases over time.