Training health workers improves rates of breast feeding

Training on breast feeding changes knowledge and practices of health professionals, which results in increasing prevalence and duration of breast feeding. Cattaneo and colleagues (p 1358) carried out a controlled, non-randomised study in eight Italian hospitals. They used a modified 18 hour Unicef course to train health professionals on the management and promotion of breast feeding. This training had a positive effect on hospital practices and knowledge of health workers. The prevalence of breast feeding at discharge and three and six months later was higher after training. The authors recommend that at least three days' training on breast feeding, with practical sessions, should be included in all degrees in health care and in local and national plans for in-service training.

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Relevant Article

Quality improvement report: Effect on rates of breast feeding of training for the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative

Adriano Cattaneo and Roberto Buzzetti
BMJ 2001 323: 1358-1362. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]