|
Interventions documented by health visitors to support breastfeeding |
||
| Topics of questions |
Health visitor responses |
Number (%) (n = 146) |
|
|
||
| Antenatal discussion on benefits & management of breastfeeding |
None |
48 (33%) |
| Leaflets only |
73 (50%) |
|
| Discuss with pregnant women |
22 (15%) |
|
| Not known |
3 (2%) |
|
| Postnatal contact with breastfeeding mothers |
Some contact from 10 days to 6 weeks |
45 (31%) |
| Weekly contact phone/clinic/etc |
38 (26%) |
|
| Weekly home visits |
30 (21%) |
|
| Available if mother phones |
20 (14%) |
|
| Variable depends on need |
12 (8%) |
|
| Not known |
1 (1%) |
|
| Median (range) |
||
| Contact with breastfeeding mothers (17–21 January 2000) |
Breastfeeding mothers in caseload |
5 (0–54) |
| Mothers initiated contact with each HV |
3 (0–50) |
|
| Mothers contacted by each HV |
1 (0–20) |
|
| Lactation histories taken by each HV |
0 (0–10) |
|
| Breastfeeds observed by each HV |
0 (0–10) |
|
| Health Visitors' use of materials provided by manufacturers of breast milk substitutes |
Any use |
107 (73%) |
| Leaflets/posters on milk feeding/weaning |
54 (37%) |
|
| Leaflets/posters on other child care issues |
66 (45%) |
|
| Weight conversion charts |
78 (53%) |
|
| Obstetric calendars |
58 (40%) |
|
| Other calendars |
53 (36%) |
|
| Diaries/Diary covers |
40 (27%) |
|
| Other |
22 (15%) |
|
| Breastfeeding support groups |
None available for HV caseload |
40 (27%) |
| Breastfeeding in waiting area at GP surgery where HV practices |
All staff would respond positively |
63 (43%) |
| Private room available if required |
57 (39%) |
|
| Practice has policy/standard or Baby Friendly Certificate of Commitment |
7 (5%) |
|
| Local Health Care Cooperative has a policy on breastfeeding |
21 (14%) |
|
| Breastfeeding data recorded in HV practice |
Initiation of breastfeeding |
66 (45%) |
| Breastfeeding duration |
47 (32%) |
|
| Breastfeeding training in HVs practice in last 2 years |
1. HV received any training |
92 (63%) |
| 2. Course lasting at least 2 days |
80 (55%) |
|
| 3. Other practice staff received training |
15 (10%) |
|
| 4. GPs received training |
4 (3%) |
|
Tappin et al. International Breastfeeding Journal 2006 1:11 doi:10.1186/1746-4358-1-11 |
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