Knowledge and attitudes of pediatric office nursing staff about breastfeeding

This descriptive study documents nurses' breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes. The nursing staffs of 27 private pediatric practices in North Carolina were surveyed. The 42-item questionnaire included questions about who was responsible for breastfeeding support, what staff nurses knew and believed about breastfeeding, and where their breastfeeding education was obtained. The response rate was 59% (134 out of 227). Only 5% responded that a breastfeeding patient experiencing problems would be referred to a physician, whereas 81% selected a lactation consultant, and 38% selected a member of the nursing staff. Knowledge scores ranged from 19 to 33 (out of 33). Attitude scores ranged from 10 to 30 (out of 30). Only 46% of respondents reported having received breastfeeding education in their training programs; 85% had received on-the-job training. The nurses surveyed were involved in breastfeeding support, yet many had incorrect information and negative attitudes toward breastfeeding.