How midwives learn about breastfeeding
Author(s)
Cantrill, Ruth
Creedy, Debra
Cooke, Marie
Year published
2003
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
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 ...
View more >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.
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View more >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.
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Journal Title
Australian Journal of Midwifery
Volume
16
Issue
3
Subject
Medical and Health Sciences