Concept Analysis of Fully Informed: Breastfeeding Promotion

摘要

In an updated breast feeding policy statement, 'Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk,' the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP, 2005) identified the compelling advantages of breast feeding and urged health care professionals to implement principles to promote breast feeding. The AAP also cited obstacles to the initiation and continuation of breast feeding, which included 'insufficient prenatal education about breast feeding...misinformation; and lack of guidance and encouragement from healthcare professionals.' As a result, all health care staff, including maternal-child nurses, should recommend breast feeding for all infants unless contraindicated. Health care professionals should provide 'complete, current information on the benefits and techniques of breastfeeding to ensure that feeding decision is a fully informed one.' Thus, it is critical that all health care professionals understand what a 'fully informed' decision entails. A systematic and rigorous concept analysis utilizing Walker and Avant's (2005) eight-step framework provides insight into the phenomenon and serves as the foundation for empowering childbearing families and ensuring a fully informed infant feeding decision.