Author: Jessica Weiss Major: Nursing
Tiny Tusk Team 2021
My name is Jessica Weiss. I’m and honors student in the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, completing my honors thesis titled, “Breastfeeding in Public: Knowledge and Perceptions on a University Campus” through a research-based project with the assistance of my research mentor, Dr. Allison Scott. As I conclude the last semester of funding and my final semester of my undergraduate degree, I look forward to beginning my career at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. It’s an exciting time to be a nurse, and I am grateful to begin at a magnet accredited metropolitan hospital where I can hopefully pursue research again in the future.
My research explored the current knowledge and perceptions that members of the University of Arkansas community (staff, faculty, and students) hold. The aim of the study was to provide data, identify barriers and assess education needs to support breastfeeding mothers on a university campus. It was concluded that while there is general support and awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, the details specific to exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months, which is critical to ensure maximum benefit, are lacking amongst the college population. There is a lack of normalization of breastfeeding and a presence of shame/stigma related to breastfeeding in public. There is also a knowledge deficit regarding the laws which protect mothers right to breastfeed in public on a national and state level. Potentially most applicable, there is a significant knowledge deficit regarding the campus resources available to breastfeeding mothers at the University of Arkansas.
This experience has spanned over a year and has taught me important lessons I can take with me for the rest of my career. My research project has been the longest project I have ever worked on; perseverance was essential to keep up with my work as the challenges of senior year (NCLEX study, finding employment, classes and clinical) continued. I learned the importance of being a self-starter throughout the project, as I did not have the face-to-face reminders I am used to when COVID-19 forced us to an online format. Thankfully, the survey was initially intended to be delivered virtually, and did not require much change. The communication style my team employed though looked different than anything I’d experienced before. Phone calls, Zoom calls, and email were essential to effectively communicate with my mentor and the team at Auburn University in Auburn Alabama, where the study was also conducted. This was my first time working on an interprofessional team across colleges and doing so virtually was a unique experience! I became a more flexible person as a result of this unexpected shift. Ultimately, I was able to accomplish my research with the support of my research mentor. Dr. Scott was instrumental in Institutional Review Board (IRB) submission and patiently walked with me through the unfamiliar steps of the research process. Dr. Scott also sought out additional learning opportunities for myself and the rest of the Tiny Tusk team to supplement our research and personal growth as nurses. This includes a Medela online learning module and collaboration with the Baby Tigers Team at the University of Auburn in Auburn, Alabama in order to expand the scope of the study. As my biggest advocate and supporter, I could not have done this without her.
What’s next? Graduation, finally!