Knowledge of health professionals from the Region of Murcia (Spain) about breastfeeding

Introduction: low rates of duration of breastfeeding are a public health problem. The training of health personnel is essential for their promotion. Objective: to investigate the knowledge and skills in breastfeeding of Primary Care health professionals and pediatric residents.

Material and method: distribution of two questionnaires on breastfeeding, aimed at Primary Care health personnel (Survey on Knowledge of Breastfeeding, ECoLa) and pediatric residents (adapted questionnaire).

Results: 19 resident surveys and 47 Primary Care health professionals. Residents' average score: 18,57 points. Average score of Primary Care professionals: 19,6 points. 15,8% of residents consider that breastfeeding is the best food for the newborn, even if the mother is malnourished. 10,5% of the residents and 59,6% of the Primary Care health professionals know that the 'watered down milk' is the milk from the beginning of the intake. 10,5% of residents consider that pacifiers do not interfere with breastfeeding. 10,5% stop breastfeeding if the mother takes amoxicillin. 26,3% think that the first dose should be 3 hours after delivery. 31,9% do not know that exclusive breastfeeding with formula carries an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. 52,6% do not recommend breastfeeding if the mother is a carrier of hepatitis B.

Conclusions: the training of health professionals in breastfeeding is essential, the questionnaires may indicate gaps that must be addressed through training.