Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2025

Document Type

Restricted Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Brooklyn Loxtercamp, DNP, RN, PHN

Second Advisor

Kathleen Clark, DNP, RN

Third Advisor

Gina Furlano, DNP, MA, RN, IBCLC

Abstract

Breastfeeding significantly reduces adverse health outcomes for mothers and infants. However, Somali women in Minnesota exhibit lower rates of exclusive breastfeeding compared to their white counterparts. Nurse leaders in the Somali community identified a critical need for culturally tailored prenatal lactation education to address this disparity and improve health outcomes. Thus, this project was created in response to that need, which aims to develop and evaluate a "Prenatal Lactation Education Toolkit" designed to increase support and prenatal lactation education within the Somali community, addressing specific cultural and social needs. Guided by Leininger's Theory of Transcultural Nursing and emphasizing "bearing witness," collaboration, health promotion, and trust-building, this project centered on the community voice. The effectiveness of the project will be evaluated using focus groups and Likert scales to assess participant perceptions and areas for improvement. The initiative demonstrates the effectiveness of a culturally customized "Prenatal Lactation Education Toolkit" to enhance prenatal lactation education within the Somali community. The toolkit is a valuable resource for community members to promote breastfeeding and improve health outcomes. Further research is needed to assess long-term impacts.

Identifier

SC 11.MAN.2025.Lacey.S.

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