Improving the Breastfeeding Practices in Healthy Neonates During Hospital Stay Using Quality Improvement Methodology.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the applications of the principles of Quality Improvement (QI) in a tertiary-care centre with the aim to improve the breastfeeding practices during hospital stay.

METHODS: An operational team was formulated to identify the reasons for low proportion of exclusive breast feeding (EBF) in healthy neonates. Reason specific solutions were proposed, discussed, prioritized and tested using Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle (PDSA Cycle). Strategies included clear departmental policy plan and creation of Breastfeeding support package (BFSP). PDSA cycles were tested and implemented over 6 weeks period and its sustainability was measured monthly for five months duration.

RESULTS: After implementation of PDSA cycles, the proportion of neonates receiving early breastfeeding within one hour of birth increased from 55% to 95%, and the proportion of neonates on EBF during hospital stay increased from 72% to 98%.

CONCLUSION: Quality Improvement principles are feasible and effective to improve breastfeeding practices in the hospital setting.