A new research project is underway at Kingston General Hospital that aims to educate and support breastfeeding mothers.

Three teams of nurses will review current research and advice on breastfeeding to create three different sets of best practice guidelines at KGH that will be applied in the obstetrics department, the neonatal intensive care unit, and in a more generic nature across the hospital.

Clinical Educator, Lynn Newton, who is leading the project, says, “We know that over 90 per cent of new mothers who come through the door want to provide breast milk to their infants. But then weeks later, that number drops significantly and that tells us we need to offer more support and education while they are here.” Once the research project is complete, and guidelines are in place, women will have the guidance and practical advice they need to happily continue breastfeeding after they leave the hospital.