Abstract
Objective
To improve early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) rates among vaginally delivered neonates from 70% to ≥90% over a period of 3 months, with a particular emphasis on increasing EIBF rates during nighttime from 54% to ≥90% simultaneously.
Methods
This quality improvement (QI) study was conducted in the labor room of a tertiary care hospital over a period of 6 months: baseline (1 month), plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles (3 months), and sustenance phase (2 months). A team of pediatricians, obstetricians, and nurses led this QI initiative, which identified factors responsible for delayed breastfeeding and tested various change ideas using sequential PDSA cycles. The primary outcome was EIBF rate among vaginally delivered healthy newborns, which was assessed on a weekly basis.
Results
Over a period of 3 months, the EIBF rate improved from 70% at baseline to 100% at the end of third PDSA cycle and was sustained for the next 2 months. At the same time, the EIBF rate at nighttime almost doubled from 54% at baseline to 100% at the end of intervention phase and remained at 100% during sustenance phase.
Conclusion
Using a QI approach, a high rate of EIBF could be achieved and sustained among vaginally delivered healthy newborns.
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Supplementary Material
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