Prenatal Evaluation and Referral for Lactation (PEARL): Tool Validation and Implementation - Edu4C

Speaker(s): Mirine Richey

The Prenatal Evaluation and Referral for Lactation (PEARL) tool was developed and content-validated through a Delphi consensus process with lactation experts to assist providers in identifying prenatal risk factors that may impact secretory activation. These factors, including metabolic, hormonal, or anatomical issues, can compromise breastfeeding duration outcomes if not addressed during pregnancy. The PEARL tool facilitates timely, anticipatory guidance and referral to lactation care, aiming to improve breastfeeding duration and maternal-infant health, and is compatible with integration into electronic health records to support standardized prenatal screening and streamlined referral pathways.