Attitudes and education of pediatric house staff concerning breast-feeding.
Pediatricians are expected to offer information and advice on breast-feeding to expectant and lactating mothers, but the educational experience for pediatric residents may not adequately prepare them for this responsibility. To examine knowledge and confidence regarding breast-feeding gained by pediatric house staff during their residency, a survey was administered to pediatric residents in a large, hospital-based training program. Of 108 program residents, 87 (81%) participated. Forty-one percent of the respondents were postgraduate level I (PL-I), 29% were PL-II, and 30% were PL-III. There was no evidence that PL-III residents were more competent or comfortable with routine breast-feeding counseling or intervention than their PL-I counterparts. Residents who had breast-fed, those with spouses who had breast-fed, and those with children of their own had the greatest knowledge and confidence base in several areas, such as their ability to teach breast-feeding techniques and to treat cracked nipples. They were also more familiar with different types of breastpumps. There were no significant differences among those who were or were not breast-fed as a child nor among men versus women. Residency programs must provide comprehensive education on breast-feeding to prepare future pediatricians to meet the needs of patients and their parents.
Freed
G L
GL
Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex.
Jones
T M
TM
Fraley
J K
JK
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010372:Pediatrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires