Maximizing Successful Breastfeeding Through Evidence-based Practice- Free Nurse CEUs

Balancing Nutritional Needs of Infants With Breastfeeding, Complementary Feedings, and Lifestyle Factors– Surveillance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified pervasive nutritional problems in infants and young children in the United States. Behaviors to promote proper nutrition should start early in life with breastfeeding, the gold standard of infant nutrition. For numerous reasons including inadequate milk supply, lack of knowledge, medication use, and competing needs of work, school, and/or family caretaking obligations, many women are unable to breastfeed exclusively for long time periods. Counseling mothers about the health impacts of infant feeding and providing evidence-based care to maximize successful breastfeeding can improve the short- and long-term health of both mothers and infants.
Outline education and services to support initiation of breastfeeding and manage potential challenges.
Discuss potential maternal complications that may interfere with breastfeeding and require nutrition supplementation.
Identify strategies to counsel mothers who require medication or are concerned about accommodating breastfeeding into their schedule.
Discuss ways to achieve optimal nutrition in situations where breastfeeding is not feasible or requires supplementation with formula.