Evaluating the WHO/UNICEF breast-feeding course

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Many maternity care facilities within the UK are now participating in the global WHO/UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI). To assist with one of the key requirements, to educate relevant health care staff, UNICEF UK offer a 20-hour evidence-based breast-feeding management course (UNICEF/WHO 1997). This paper describes an empirical evaluation of the impact of this course on health professionals’ attitudes and knowledge in relation to breast-feeding. The results demonstrated a statistically significant change in knowledge. A qualitative approach highlighted a marked difference in self-reported attitudes. The extent of attitude change related to the strength of evidence underpinning each of the ten steps to successful breast-feeding. Organizational and cultural changes taking place concurrently within the hospital facilitated staff in implementing the BFI.