Impact of Inpatient Lactation Nurse Visit Frequency and Duration on Feeding Outcomes: A Retrospective Review
Miranda L. Byrd, Mary G. CareyBackground:
Inpatient lactation support is essential for establishing breastfeeding, yet disparities in support and feeding outcomes persist across racial and ethnic groups. The objective of this project was to evaluate the frequency and duration of inpatient lactation nurse visits and determine whether support intensity aligned with parental feeding goals through the lens of racial and ethnic demographics.
Methods:
This retrospective analysis reviewed electronic health record data from 633 mother–infant dyads (≥37 weeks, rooming-in level care) discharged from a postpartum unit at a U.S. Magnet-designated academic medical center between September and December 2024. Nurse-documented data were extracted from the medical record for the number of visits with a lactation nurse and the estimated duration of bedside support, recorded as categorical time ranges. Total bedside time was calculated using the midpoints of documented time ranges.
Results:
The sample was 69.7% White, 11.7% Black, and 8.4% Hispanic. The mean number of lactation nurse visits was 3.46 (standard deviation [SD] = 1.52), with a mean total bedside time of 64 minutes. Support intensity was similar across racial and ethnic groups. However, significant differences emerged when results were sorted by feeding goals. Dyads who initially intended to exclusively breastfeed but utilized formula supplementation received the highest support intensity, averaging 3.97 visits (SD = 1.63) and 79 minutes of bedside time. Comparatively, those who met their exclusive breastfeeding goal received 3.33 visits and an average of 64 minutes with lactation.
Conclusions:
Inpatient lactation support was distributed equally by racial and ethnic groups but varied significantly based on clinical acuity and adjustments in feeding plans. The increased support provided to families struggling to meet exclusivity goals reflects a responsive, acuity-based model of care. Specialized lactation support remains a vital clinical intervention for bridging the gap between parental intentions and inpatient feeding outcomes.