Change Theory in the Implementation of Lactation Education Program, Essay Example

The Change theory of nursing, by Kurt Lewin, entails a dynamic balance of forces that work in opposite directions. This theory is founded on three main concepts, (1) driving force, (2) restraining force, and (3) equilibrium. These three main concepts embody the three stages of the theory, (1) unfreeze, (2) freeze, and (3) refreeze (Roussel, 2013). This theory is clearly evident in the application of a lactation management educational program in postpartum mothers during their stay in hospital. The perinatal unit is one that experiences numerous challenges.

The perinatal unit nurses are crucial for ensuring an effective mother-child relationship. They achieve this by providing essential information on the best practices to enhance infant survival and growth within the first month of live birth. Previous experience in my nursing practice saw perinatal nurses notice an increase in the number of infant health complications that resulted from little to no exclusive breastfeeding within the first year of child birth.

In order to effectively implement a lactation education program, element of the change theory have to be taken into consideration. The change theory is evident in the four distinct phases of the implementation of an effective lactation education program. In the implementation of an effective lactation education program, the four stages coincide with the three stages of the change theory.

Discovery: this step is designed to help collect information on the current rates of breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding within the perinatal unit. This is the unfreezing stage.

Development: this phase entails the development of a plan to realize the ten steps to successful breastfeeding embodied in BFHI. This will also entail the identification of the level and type of technical assistance that will be required to realize the application of the ten steps to successful breastfeeding. This is part of the change stage.

Dissemination: this entails the implementation of the tens steps to successful breastfeed. During this phase, extensive data will be collected and the results will be matched against the Baby-Friendly USA Guidelines and Evaluation Criteria. This is part of the change stage.

Designation: this phase entails the continuation of the quality improvement program. As soon as implementation of all the set guidelines and evaluation criteria is complete, the assessment process is initiated. This is the refreezing stage (Wambach & Riordan, 2014).

References

Roussel, L. (2013). Management and leadership for nurse administrators. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Wambach, K., & Riordan, J. (2014). Breastfeeding and human lactation. Burlington: Breastfeeding and human lactation.