KINGSTON, R.I. — April 15, 2025 — A University of Rhode Island College of Nursing professor and expert in women’s health and obstetrics is being recognized nationally by a leading nursing association dedicated to promoting the health of women and newborns, advocating for quality nursing care, and providing education and resources for nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Clinical Associate Professor Diane DiTomasso has been named the 2025 recipient of the Education Award of Excellence from the national Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. The award honors two individuals each year for their “outstanding contributions to the fields of women’s health, obstetric, or neonatal nursing” education through scholarly or clinical excellence. The recipients are recognized for contributing to the knowledge base of women’s health, obstetric or newborn nursing care; and improving professional nursing practice teaching excellence, by conveying complex concepts using innovative methods.

“I am deeply honored to receive the AWHONN Education Award,” DiTomasso said. “This recognition reaffirms my commitment to advancing nursing education and promoting excellence in the care of women, newborns and families.”

DiTomasso, who was inducted as a fellow in AWHONN last year, has more than 35 years of experience in women’s health, and has worked as an obstetrical nurse and board-certified lactation consultant, in addition to her role as professor of nursing and family health at URI. Her research—which focuses on breastfeeding, infant weight changes, and human milk expression—has been widely published, and has earned previous awards from AWHONN, the International Lactation Consultant Association, the Eastern Nursing Research Society, and the Journal of Human Lactation.

DiTomasso’s groundbreaking studies on newborn weight loss after birth found that it is not uncommon for newborns to lose up to 10 percent of their weight after birth while breastfeeding. Previous medical advice recommended mothers supplement breast milk with formula if a baby’s weight drops by as little as 7 percent. However, DiTomasso’s study found most infants who lose more than 7 percent of birth weight in their first two weeks regain the weight normally. Therefore, in most cases, there is no need to incorporate formula, which can interfere with breastfeeding, potentially depriving infant and mother of the tremendous health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.

DiTomasso has said she hopes her findings will influence pediatric care providers and encourage them to continue to support mothers in exclusively breastfeeding for at least six months, then incorporating complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed for a year.

“I am grateful to AWHONN for this acknowledgment and for their continued support of professional development and clinical excellence within our field,” said DiTomasso, who also serves as chair of the college’s Pathways to Nursing program. “This award is a reflection of the shared efforts of colleagues, mentors, and students who continually inspire my dedication to education and lifelong learning.”