PHILADELPHIA (August 1, 2025) – Faculty and doctoral students at Penn Nursing are at the forefront of advancing human milk feeding through a series of research studies, featured in the current issue of MCN The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing . The issue, edited by Penn Nursing 's Diane L. Spatz, PhD, RN-BC, FAAN, FAWHONN , the Helen M. Shearer Professor of Nutrition and Professor of Perinatal Nursing in the Department of Family and Community Health , highlights articles showcasing critical strategies to enhance lactation care and improve outcomes for families.
These investigations highlight critical strategies, from empowering frontline healthcare providers and fostering supportive work environments to standardizing language, all aimed at enhancing lactation care and improving outcomes for families. Recent studies underscore the vital role of nurses and the broader healthcare team in supporting breastfeeding journeys:
“Collectively, these studies from Penn Nursing underscore a multi-faceted approach to improving human milk feeding,” said Spatz. “From early intervention in primary care and optimizing team collaboration to ensuring supportive work environments and promoting clear communication, Penn Nursing researchers are driving evidence-based changes that empower healthcare providers and support families in achieving their breastfeeding goals.”
About the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Penn Nursing) is one of the world’s leading nursing schools. It has been ranked the #1 nursing school in the U.S. by QS University for a decade. Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is among the top-ranked programs in the nation, according to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings. Penn Nursing also consistently earns high rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of best graduate schools and is a top recipient of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for nursing research. Penn Nursing prepares nurse scientists and nurse leaders to meet the health needs of a global society through innovation in research, education, and practice. Follow Penn Nursing on: Facebook , X , LinkedIn , YouTube , & Instagram .
MCN The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing