Baby Friendly Initiative university education standards create positive changes in midwifery students' reported attitude when supporting mothers with infant feeding, three year case study

摘要

Measurements and findings: Over 50% of the cohort participated for the full three years of the study with a total of 53 interviews. Students enter midwifery with varied personal experiences of infant feeding as mothers and non-mothers. The attitudes prior to starting the course is influenced by these experiences and mirror societal views. Students'positivity towards breastfeeding remained, or grew, at different rates throughout the three years enabling greater encouragement and support to women. However, a small minority of students did express concerns of negativity towards formula feeding, suppressing choice and coercion. Maturing communication skills and confidence facilitated better delivery of key messages.Key conclusions: Outcomes were independent of trust BFI status although the more congruent the philosophy of care, the easier it was for student learning. Their attitude to breastfeeding was more positive and the time they were prepared to spend with breastfeeding women in a facilitative, self-efficacious model of care had increased. Positive outcomes from women reinforced this model. Communication skills develop from directive and generalised to discursive, facilitative and individualised by the third year. All students became or remained positive toward breastfeeding; however, concerns were raised about coercion and ensuring women still had choice in their infant-feeding method.