How midwives learn about breastfeeding

Abstract

Little is known about how midwives learn aboutbreastfeeding. This study asked midwives to identify breastfeeding information resources used and perceived value for their learning. A mail questionnaire was sent to midwives (n=3500) through the Australian College of Midwives Inc. (ACMI). A response rate of 31.6% (n=1,105) was obtained. On-the-job experience was the most common source accessed and continuing education the most valuable. Very few respondents (3.1% n=34) acknowledged either their hospital or university midwifery education program as a valuable breastfeeding information source. There is scope for continuing education programs to address evidence-based lactation and infant feeding information. Midwifery curricula need to teach in-depth knowledge of human lactation and develop clinicians' skill base to assist breastfeeding women. The development of national standards for course accreditation on lactation and infant feeding by ACMI, Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) and Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) would be a useful quality measure.