[Assessment of mothers' knowledge about breastfeeding]

The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of problems referring to breastfeeding among women in childbirth.

The study was based on a questionnaire, which consisted of 20 questions with multiple choice answers. 108 women in puerperium were surveyed-54 in the Obstetrical Ward in Puck and the same number in the I Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Warsaw. The results were analysed according to age, education and attendance to labour school. Statistical analysis was performed afterwards.

For all the surveyed women, breastfeeding is a natural need and an important element of the emotional bond with a newborn. For 78.7% of the women questioned, the priority of breastfeeding was the health of their baby, 16.7% point to the advantages of the optimal composition of human milk, 37% of mothers found breastfeeding convenient. On the other hand, 37% consider artificial milk only a substitute. For 60% of women magazines were the source of education, books 53.7%, acquaintances and family 32.4%. Only a small percentage (24.1%) of women took advantage of labour classes, although it is an extremely successful method of teaching. 17.6% of women were not looking for any information about breastfeeding during the pregnancy.

Differences in preferences and level of knowledge between women from big and small centre were shown, although there was no difference in access to it. Magazines and books, not medical staff, were the most popular source of information. The level of knowledge depends on education and labour class attendance. It seems that the system of lactational guidance should be extended on obstetrical wards, concentrating especially on women with poorest education.