Revista de Gravidez e Saúde Infantil

Abstrato

Knowledge on Breastfeeding Legislation and Its Impact on Breastfeeding Duration

Elizabeth Furey, Lauren Landfried, Patrick Kelly and Lori Jones

An estimated $13 billion in health care costs could be saved each year due to the many health benefits of breastfeeding if 90% of mothers met the current recommendations for breastfeeding. These health benefits include, but are not limited to, improved nutrition status, stronger immune system profile, and more stable psychological and financial well-being. Recognizing this, government at the state and federal level has made marginal efforts the past few years to protect these mothers and infants with legislation and initiatives. A survey tool was prepared using the most up to date legislative information and was validated for this study by an expert panel of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs). This survey was distributed at WIC clinics throughout St. Louis, Missouri to all qualifying postpartum mothers. Using a survey, this study evaluated the relationship between the knowledge and the awareness mothers have of these laws in comparison to breastfeeding duration to assess if a positive relationship exists between the two measures. Using a one-way ANOVA there was no statistical significance comparing the mean legislative knowledge between the three groups. This research explores the need of educating prenatal mothers of their legal rights in regards to breastfeeding in an effort to increase this country’s rate of initiation and duration to 6 months.