ArticleBreastfeeding and Human Lactation: Education and Curricular Issues for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

IntroductionThis study explores the breastfeeding and human lactation education offered in pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) masters-level nursing programs.MethodsAn online survey about breastfeeding and human lactation education offered in the PNP curriculum was sent to all PNP programs in the United States with viable contact information (N = 84). The response rate was 42.9%.ResultsAll of the respondents indicated that their PNP program curriculum includes the promotion of breastfeeding. However, 5.9% of programs do not offer any courses that incorporate these topics, and 73.5% teach this content in only one to two courses. More than three quarters of programs (81.8%) offer opportunities to counsel expectant mothers on infant feeding choices, promote breastfeeding in the clinical setting, and teach breastfeeding techniques. However, 18.2% of programs do not offer any of these opportunities.DiscussionThe breastfeeding and lactation education offered in PNP programs is inconsistent. Formal incorporation of research-based lactation education into PNP curricula will help to standardize knowledge and aid in the PNP clinical role.