Paediatric nurses' knowledge and attitudes related to breastfeeding and the hospitalised infant

Abstract

Breastfeeding and breastmilk are essential to hospitalised infants and young children and paediatric nurses are required to have breastfeeding knowledge. However, few studies have investigated paediatric nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards breastfeeding. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was used to investigate breastfeeding knowledge, knowledge related to breastfeeding the hospitalised infant, policy and guideline awareness, and attitudes to breastfeeding. Participants demonstrated excellent breastfeeding attitudes and general knowledge but deficits in breastfeeding knowledge related to specific outcomes were identified.