'Informal' learning to support breastfeeding: local problems and opportunities

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Professional Education
• Community Health Services

Background:

• Informal learning is crucial for National Health Service (NHS) staff and the public in supporting breastfeeding.
• Existing learning opportunities are often localized and not part of formal academic or professional training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore informal learning opportunities for NHS staff, lay supporters, and mothers regarding breastfeeding.
• To identify facilitators and barriers to informal breastfeeding education and support.

Main Methods:

• The study utilized semi-structured telephone interviews with 31 key informants across three health economies.
• Informants included health visitors, midwives, infant feeding advisers, and representatives from voluntary organizations and Strategic Health Authorities.
• Thematic analysis was employed to interpret the interview data.

Main Results:

• Regular training events exist for NHS staff, primarily attended by midwives and health visitors, though time constraints are a barrier.
• Few doctors attended the available training sessions.
• Services for the public include parentcraft classes, breastfeeding support groups, and 'baby cafés', often driven by individual champions.
• Local breastfeeding strategies were lacking, with initiatives dependent on isolated individuals.

Conclusions:

• Informal learning is vital but often relies on a few dedicated individuals working in isolation.
• There is a need for greater coordination and networking facilitated by local health economies to enhance breastfeeding support.
• Formal strategies and broader organizational support are required to sustain and expand informal learning initiatives for breastfeeding professionals and the community.