History and Assessment: It's All in the Details

The two most important elements of providing professional breastfeeding support are taking a complete history and performing a detailed physical assessment. Yet, taking the time to take a history or observe a full feeding can sometimes seem too lengthy a process when understaffed or short on time. When these important items are not done, this can lead to increased problems for the feeding dyad, heavier financial burdens for both the family and the healthcare system, and emotional costs for mother and baby.

In this book, lactation consultant Denise Altman discusses the information that should be obtained during the history taking part of the patient interview. She shows how this information offers triggers for close observation during the physical assessment that helps the healthcare provider identify breastfeeding problems. Examples, case studies, and sample forms are included to better show the process.

This book covers:
• Cross-cultural communication
• Documentation and charting methods
• Types of interview questions
• Maternal and infant history
• Maternal and infant physical assessment
• Feeding assessment
• Unique situations that affect breastfeeding:
piercings, abuse, NICU baby, multiples, and adoption
• Critical thinking skill