Collaborating with obstetrical providers to promote infant safe sleep guidelines

Abstract Objectives To partner with obstetrical providers to increase promotion of the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for infant safe sleep. Specifically, this study evaluates the effectiveness of the Safe Sleep Toolkit during obstetrical visits. Secondary objectives include improving provider and maternal knowledge of safe sleep. Methods Obstetrical providers (n = 11) and staff at an outpatient clinic were trained using the Safe Sleep Toolkit and encouraged to discuss infant safe sleep with pregnant women at their 28- or 36-week gestation appointment (n = 111, 56 pre- and 55 post-intervention). Provider-reported time spent counseling women on safe sleep recommendations and safe sleep knowledge was measured before and after the intervention. Surveys were conducted with women assessing safe sleep knowledge, intention to follow guidelines, and whether safe sleep was discussed at the appointment. Results Significantly more post-intervention women reported their provider had discussed safe sleep (78% vs 32%) ( P < .001). Similarly, provider-reported discussion with women increased significantly for all safe sleep guidelines (82%-90% vs 8%-12%) (all P < .001). Maternal knowledge, especially surrounding unsafe sleep practices, improved significantly post-intervention. Conclusion Training obstetricians to use a toolkit to promote infant safe sleep guidelines increases the prenatal delivery of this information, and improves pregnant women's knowledge and intentions regarding safe infant sleep.