Breastfeeding Information and Support Across Multiple Sources: Identifying Opportunities for Coordinated Care

Abstract

To support mothers to breastfeed for recommended durations, information and support are needed from multiple sources. Our previous research indicated not all mothers in our community receive support, with mothers at greater risk of breastfeeding cessation (e.g., lower educational attainment, enrolled in Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children [WIC]), receiving supports at lower rates. In addition, receiving support was not always linked to breastfeeding outcomes. Building from these findings, the current report presents a case study of one community and calls for efforts to coordinate care across contexts. Perspectives are provided by lactation professionals in WIC and hospital settings. In addition, a mother who experienced inconsistencies in information and support when she encountered breastfeeding challenges discusses her experiences. Clinical implications are provided for coordinating care across community and healthcare contexts in our community and beyond.