# Experiences of healthcare professionals in a breastfeeding training program

## TL;DR

Healthcare professionals found a full-day breastfeeding training program helpful in increasing their interest and providing tools for breastfeeding support.

## Contribution

A multidisciplinary breastfeeding training program was evaluated for its impact on healthcare professionals' engagement and knowledge.

## Key findings

- Participants reported increased interest in breastfeeding and gained new tools for support.
- Group discussions and training structure were highlighted as valuable components.
- The program was found beneficial across various healthcare roles.

## Abstract

This study aimed to elucidate healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) evaluations of a breastfeeding training program that incorporated diverse professions along the care continuum.

The breastfeeding training program was conducted over a full day during 2018–2019. To enable as many HCPs as possible to participate, the program was offered om twelve different dates. Approximately 25 HCPs took part on each occasion. Both qualitative and quantitative data was gathered on each occasion. The cohort comprised 238 HCPs, including midwives, registered nurses, specialist registered nurses, assistant nurses, physicians, and psychologists, all actively engaged in clinical practice at delivery/maternity wards or child healthcare centers. HCPs completed questionnaires featuring both closed and open-ended queries at the commencement and conclusion of the training program. Additionally, participants collaborated in small groups to propose improvements within the care continuum.

Following the training program, HCPs reported a perceived increase in their interest in breastfeeding and noted the acquisition of novel tools for breastfeeding support. Noteworthy aspects of the training program, as identified by participants, included group discussions, the structure of the training session, inspiration for breastfeeding support, newfound knowledge regarding breastfeeding, and the utility of provided parental materials.

The breastfeeding training program was beneficial across various HCP roles. The training program served to augment participants’ interest in breastfeeding and equipped them with resources to bolster ongoing breastfeeding support efforts. Facilitating HCP attendance at such training sessions and fostering commitment to breastfeeding promotion emerge as crucial imperatives.

Detailed information about the program and its implementation is available in the trial registered in the ISRCTN Registry: 10.1186/ISRCTN91972905.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13006-025-00760-2.