Breast-feeding: current knowledge, attitudes and practices of paediatricians and obstetricians.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the current knowledge, attitudes and practices of Paediatricians and Obstetricians in the greater Johannesburg area, using WHO/UNICEF 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding as a guideline.


METHODS
Survey.


METHODS
All Paediatricians and Obstetricians registered with the SAMDC and practising in the greater Johannesburg area.


RESULTS
Most Paediatricians and Obstetricians advocate breastfeeding, but very few conform adequately to recommended guidelines.


CONCLUSIONS
Doctors, as part of the healthcare team, can have a significant impact on the successful initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding. There is a need for ongoing education and intervention programmes to update current knowledge on breastfeeding management.
Videlefsky
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaicology, Coronation JG Strijdom Hospitals, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Nikodem
C
C
Hofmeyr
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009774:Obstetrics; D010372:Pediatrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires