Methods and Outcomes of Breastfeeding Instruction for Nursing Students

Abstract

Support from nurses can influence breastfeeding rates, but many nurses are not well-informed about breastfeeding topics. Surveys were used to assess the breastfeeding instruction provided in five nursing programs. Most students attended breastfeeding lectures, but only one-fourth received breastfeeding information during clinical activities. After completing their maternity rotation, less than 25 percent had as many as three clinical opportunities to teach breastfeeding techniques or counsel about lactation problems. Completion of maternity rotation did not improve student's knowledge of breastfeeding health benefits or clinical advice. Previous personal breastfeeding experience was associated with more accurate clinical advice and rating breastfeeding instruction as inadequate. We conclude that nursing education may not prepare students for effective breastfeeding promotion, and we suggest solutions for lactation consultants.

Breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes among Egyptian baccalaureate students

“…This result is consistent with Tschetter (2001), who reported that undergraduate nursing students were self‐confident to provide breastfeeding support despite their low breastfeeding knowledge. Freed et al. (1996) also found that most nursing students felt confident in their ability to assist mothers with breastfeeding initiation (74%) and rated themselves (69%) as effective in meeting the breastfeeding mothers' needs.…”

“…In addition, professional lactation consultants such as the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and Certified Lactation Consultants are not available in clinical settings in Egypt, while student nurses in Western countries may spend time or work with these consultants. Freed et al. (1996) reported that 64% of the American students who finished their maternal rotation have received breastfeeding information from a lactation consultant.…”

“…Several studies have found inadequate breastfeeding knowledge among undergraduate nursing students in Western countries. Freed et al. (1996) evaluated breastfeeding instruction in five baccalaureate and associate degree nursing programmes, and found that breastfeeding education did not provide students with basic skills and knowledge for effective breastfeeding‐related nursing care.…”

Breastfeeding Knowledge of University Nursing Students

“…Past and recent research stresses that nursing education may not prepare students for effective breastfeeding support and that nurses had knowledge defi cits regarding breastfeeding management (Freed, Clark, Harris, & Lowdermilk, 1996;Spear, 2004). Past and recent research stresses that nursing education may not prepare students for effective breastfeeding support and that nurses had knowledge defi cits regarding breastfeeding management (Freed, Clark, Harris, & Lowdermilk, 1996;Spear, 2004).…”

Report of a Staff Program to Promote and Support Breastfeeding in the Care of Vulnerable Infants at a Children's Hospital

“…Eden, Mir, and Srinivasan (2000) surveyed program directors of every accredited pediatric residency program in the United States (n = 209) and found that 45% of the respondents rated the quality of their breastfeeding education as only mediocre or below and 43% of the respondents rated their program as inadequate or in need of improvement. In addition, Freed conducted multiple studies identifying a knowledge deficit among both physicians and nurses regarding basic breastfeeding information (Freed, 1993;Freed, Clark, Harris, & Lowdermilk, 1996;. In a study of pediatric, obstetric, and family physicians and residents (n = 3,115 residents and n = 1,920 physicians), Freed, Clark, Lohr and colleagues' (1995) key findings highlighted the inadequacy of breastfeeding education and training.…”