Peer-led prenatal breast-feeding education: A viable alternative to nurse-led education.

Source: Midwifery, 2012, 28(1), p. 733-9.

Follow this link for full text.

Date of publication: February, 2012.

Publication type: Research.

In a nutshell: An evaluation of a pre-natal breastfeeding class developed and facilitated by peer breastfeeding “buddies” in comparison with an established nurse-led class. The findings suggest that peer-led breastfeeding classes can enhance the accessibility of breastfeeding education and support for expectant mothers.

Length of publication: 8 pages.

Some important notes: This article is available in full text to all NHS Staff using Athens, for more information about accessing full text follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Impact of education and training on type of care provided by community-based breastfeeding counsellors: a cross-sectional US study

Source: International Breastfeeding Journal

International Breastfeeding Journal, 26 August 2011, 6 (12),  doi:10.1186/1746-4358-6-12

Click here to read full text.

Date of publication: August 2011

In a nutshell: This research looked at the effect educational background and training has on the care provided by community-based breastfeeding counsellors. It found that educational attainment does not have a significant effect on the care given but that training and support does, suggesting that training should be standardised to ensure “successful and optimum breastfeeding experiences for mothers and their newborns”.

Publication type: Journal article

Length of publication:  40 pages

You will need a NHS Athens account for full text access to the journal article.  Please contact your local NHS Library for help creating an athens account.

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Selling a service: experiences of peer supporters while promoting exlusive infant feeding – a South African perspective

Source: International Breastfeeding Journal

International Breastfeeding Journal, October 2010, Volume 5, Issue 17

Click here to full text article.

Date of publication: October 2010

In a nutshell: This study examined the experiences of trained volunteer peer breastfeeding supporters in South Africa.  The report concluded that those who design “peer support interventions should consider the skills required for delivering health messages and the skills required for selling a service”.  It was noted that the support given to volunteers should respond both to the “health care task” and the challenges in delivering the peer support.

Publication type: Journal article

Length of publication: 12 pages

You will need a NHS Athens account for full text access to the journal article.  Please contact your local NHS Library for help creating an athens account.

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Fewer Lincolnshire mums choosing to breastfeed despite county £200k NHS campaign

Source: This is Lincolnshire online

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Date of publication:  October 2010

In a nutshell: Lincolnshire breastfeeding rates have dropped slightly despite a county council led campaign to improve rates. NHS and council representatives have speculated on the causes of the static rates. The director of public health for NHS Lincolnshire said: “Lots of mothers give up because it is too difficult and some say that it is the reaction of other people that makes it too difficult.”

Publication type:  News story

Length of publication: 1 page

You will need a NHS Athens account for full text access to the journal article.  Please contact your local NHS Library for help creating an athens account.

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Local groups in Barrow encouraged to be breastfeeding-friendly

Source: North West Evening Mail

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Date of publication:  October 2010

In a nutshell: Barrow Borough Council are asking local businesses and organisations to be “breastfeeding friendly” in a bid support and promote breastfeeding in the borough, and to combat feelings of  being uncomfortable or even stigmatised that have arisen when a mother breastfeeds in public.

Publication type: News story

Length of publication: 1 page 

Scottish knitted bosom project a success

Source: North Lanarkshire NHS

Click here for project information.

Click here for local news story.

Date of publication:  October 2010

In a nutshell: A project to encourage local groups and individuals to knit or crochet breast which are used by midwives and breastfeeding support workers to help teach new mums how to hand express their milk.   The project has also encouraged those involved to share their experiences and issues with members of their families.

Publication type: News story

Length of publication: 1 page

You will need a NHS Athens account for full text access to the journal article.  Please contact your local NHS Library for help creating an athens account.

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New York State health department launches media based breastfeeding campaign

Source: New York State Health Department

Click here to read the news story.

Date of publication:  September 2010

In a nutshell: NYS health department have launched a mass media campaign in support of breastfeeding.  They seek to get the many benefits of breastfeeding across to mothers such as higher IQ, stronger immune system, a lower risk of  allergies and respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments in the baby.  Breastfeeding also helps the mother’s body recover from pregnancy, burns about 500 calories a day, lowers the risk of ovarian cancer and some forms of breast cancer, strengthens bones, protects against type 2 diabetes, helps ward off depression and saves time and money with bottles and formula milk.

Publication type: News story

Length of publication: 1 page

WABA’s ten steps to successful breastfeeding, with promotional material

Source: WABA

Click here to read the full text.

Date of publication: July 2010

In a nutshell: Promotional website for WABA’s ‘ten steps’, including information for World Breastfeeding week on 1-7 August.

Publication type:

Length of publication: 1 page, with links

Effective community-based interventions to improve exclusive breast feeding at four to six months in low- a “developing world” perspective

Source: Midwifery

Midwifery, 2010, article in press, doi:10.1016/j.midw.2010.03.011

Click here for abstract.

Date of publication: article in press

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This research examined previous studies to ascertain best practice with regards to encouraging continued breastfeeding.  It found that localised community based interventions could significantly increase rates of exclusive breastfeeding.

Length of publication: 6 pages

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US study shows breastfeeding would save lives and money

Source: Unicef – The Baby Friendly Initiative

Click here for full news item.

Date of publication: April 2010

Publication type:  News story

In a nutshell: A US cost analysis study suggests that 900 babies lives, and $13 billion dollars, could be saved if US mothers breastfed for 6 months, due to the health benefits of breastfeeding. The study looked at “the prevalence of 10 common childhood illnesses, costs of treating those diseases, including hospitalization, and the level of disease protection other studies have linked with breast-feeding.”

Length of publication: 1 page

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