Influence of OB/GYNs on Breast-Feeding Rates in Their Patients

Obstetrician-gynecologists' efforts to promote breast-feeding were affected more by their opinions of its importance than by demographic factors.

Breast-feeding confers well-documented benefits — but U.S. Public Health Service goals for promoting the practice have not been reached nationwide, and fall particularly short in certain geographic and demographic sectors. Investigators surveyed members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to evaluate their role in promoting breast-feeding among their patients. Of the 600 members contacted, 230 returned usable surveys and reported serving pregnant women.

Respondents' perceptions of breast-feeding rates were consistent with data from the CDC's 2010 Breastfeeding Report Card. For example, obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) who practiced in states with low breast-feeding rates, in rural areas, or in urban inner cities re…

Reviewing Author

Diane J. Angelini, EdD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, NEA-BC

Disclosures

RoyaltiesOB Triage: Emergency Care Protocols (Springer Publications)

Editorial boardsJournal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing

Diane J. Angelini, EdD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, NEA-BC

Disclosures

RoyaltiesOB Triage: Emergency Care Protocols (Springer Publications)

Editorial boardsJournal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing