References
Sources of breastfeeding knowledge and support skills among midwives and students: a scoping review
Abstract
Background/Aims
Early discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding often occurs as a result of conflicting advice provided by midwives and other healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to explore sources of breastfeeding knowledge and acquisition of support skills among midwives and midwifery students.
Methods
This scoping review explored peer-reviewed and grey literature, identifying and synthesising seven studies and one conference abstract published between 2014 and 2024, after screening 27 full-text articles based on eligibility criteria.
Results
Only one study focused on breastfeeding knowledge sources, revealing that on-the-job training was the primary source (64.4%) for midwives and nurses. Seven papers detailed educational programmes, including simulation workshops, animation videos and web resources. Grey literature highlighted relevant organisations, websites and social media platforms.
Conclusions
Despite the widespread availability of breastfeeding education resources, this review identified a significant gap in understanding how midwives and students use these resources.
Implications for practice
Enhancing training and support for midwives and students is important to ensure effective use of existing resources for breastfeeding education. Expanding the available digital resources would also provide vital support.
Exclusive breastfeeding is the optimal nutritional food for newborns and babies under 6 months old (Pérez-Escamilla et al, 2019). Numerous benefits for both babies and mothers, including antibody protection against pathogens for babies, have been reported (Victora et al, 2016; Xu et al, 2024). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pace et al (2021) demonstrated that breast milk from infected mothers provides valuable antibodies against infection in the infant. Breast milk has also been linked to higher intelligence levels in babies (Lockyer et al, 2021; North et al, 2022) and a lower risk of diabetes and hypertension in mothers (Rameez et al, 2019). Evidence shows that breastfeeding mothers have increased uterine involution (Al Sabati and Mousa, 2019), lower postpartum cholesterol and triglyceride levels (Sattari et al, 2019), reduced ovarian cancer risk (Modugno et al, 2019), increased protection against breast cancer (Borges et al, 2020) and a lifelong positive effect on their health (Muro-Valdez et al, 2023). Breastfeeding has also been associated with savings in healthcare costs and is a cost-efficient economic option for infant feeding (Santacruz-Salas et al, 2019; Walters et al, 2019).
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