Date of Award
Spring 2026
Document Type
Project – Full Written
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Committee Chair
Ashley Isaac-Dockery
Abstract
Introduction: Breastfeeding remains the gold standard for infant nutrition providing physical and psychological benefits for both mother and baby. The inadequacy of lactation education and support continue to hinder breastfeeding initiation in the rural areas of North Carolina. Integrating a board-certified lactation consultant into the Centering Pregnancy model provides an evidence-based strategy to improve maternal confidence and increase lactation initiation rates within the target community.
Method: Using a quality improvement framework, the project targeted expecting mothers participating in Centering Pregnancy. Pre- and post-surveys assessed confidence levels after receiving two educational sessions with a board-certified lactation consultant.
Results: Findings demonstrated the use of two educational session interventions was effective in increasing breastfeeding confidence among the target population.
Conclusion: This project demonstrated integrating a board-certified lactation consultant into Centering Pregnancy sessions has the potential to improve maternal breastfeeding confidence and increase initiation rates within the target population. Providing structured, evidence-based lactation education in a supportive group prenatal care setting addressed identified gaps in traditional prenatal visits and strengthened maternal preparedness. Sustaining this intervention may contribute to improved maternal-infant health outcomes and long-term community impact.
Recommended Citation
Barbee, Courtney, "Integrating Lactation Education into Centering Pregnancy to Enhance Maternal Confidence and Lactation Initiation Rates" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 161.
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/nursing-dnp/161
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