title: A critical review of the impact of continuing breastfeeding education provided to nurses and midwives.
abstract: This review of 15 studies from nine different countries analyzes the practice of continuing education on breastfeeding for health professionals, with a specific focus on nurses and midwives. Continuing breastfeeding education improves the knowledge, clinical skills and practices, and counseling skills of nurses and midwives, and it improves the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative compliance of institutions. Education of any duration is beneficial; however, findings support the recommendation of the World Health Organization that at least 18 hours' education for all health professionals who advise pregnant women and mothers should be undertaken.
authors.affiliation: Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia. ward0086@flinders.edu.au
authors.forename: Kathryn Nicole
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.forename: Jennifer P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Byrne
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding; D002983:Clinical Competence; D037001:Directive Counseling; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D014944:World Health Organization