Rationale for Program
According to the Academy of Pediatrics “human milk is species-specific, and all substitute feeding preparations differ markedly from it, making human milk uniquely superior for infant feeding” (American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP], 2005, p. 496).  An impact on the breastfeeding success of the mother and baby is the support or lack of support by the healthcare providers.  “Healthcare providers are the most influential and trusted source of information about breastfeeding, yet many are neither prepared nor able to provide good breastfeeding counseling for their clients” (Bryant, Westover, Bailey, 1995, pg. 265). 
Purpose of the program and description of outcomes
The purpose of this project is to support mothers and babies during their breastfeeding experience during their hospitalization. Secondly, it is to increase the nursing knowledge and comfort in providing breastfeeding support and education to the patient.
This performance improvement project was started to increase breastfeeding support for the breastfeeding mom.  A few of the questions included were: Breastfeeding and formula are equally acceptable for term newborn infants; healthcare professionals should not stress breastfeeding because it might make the mothers feel guilty; skin-to-skin will increase the babies ability to self attach.  Currenlty the surveys have been distributed, collected and are being analyzed.  The survey took into account the healthcare providers’ age, whether or not they had any breastfeeding experience and their knowledge of the baby-friendly hospital initiative. Early findings demonstrate 47% of the participants believe that breastmilk and formula are equal and okay to provide either one to the baby.  By the time this poster will be presented our plan for education will have been finalized and implemented.  Six months from implementation of the education plan we will be conducting a follow-up survey to determine if attitudes have changed in regards to breastfeeding support. 
Timeliness of Program
Healthcare providers have a major influence on the mother and her choice to breastfeed.  Encouraging mothers to breastfeed seems simple; however, the healthcare provider may allow her/his attitude, lack of knowledge or comfort level to negatively impact the success of the maternal infant dyad.  This lack of support from the healthcare providers was demonstrated through patient complaints.
Relevance of program
As nurses it is our ethical responsibility to advocate for our patients.  We need to be able to put our attitudes aside and provide the best care based on evidence.  This performance improvement project allowed each healthcare provider to reflect on their attitudes to breastfeeding.  The data has provided us with information that will assist in changing our culture of breastfeeding support.
Implications for women’s health, obstetric, and neonatal nursing practice, education or research.
As has been stated previously healthcare providers have a high ability to influence the patients they care for.  This small project identifies the importance of further education for the healthcare providers caring for mothers and infants to ensure the gold standard of infant feeding as breastfeeding.