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J Community Health (2009) 34:1–5 DOI 10.1007/s10900-008-9122-8
ORIGINAL PAPER
Knowledge About Breastfeeding Among a Group of Primary Care Physicians and Residents in Puerto Rico
´ Gloria Leavitt Æ Silma Martınez Æ Nerian Ortiz Æ ´ Lourdes Garcıa
Published online: 27 September 2008 Ó Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2008
Abstract Physicians have an essential role in promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding as the ideal method of infant feeding. They are in an important position to promote breastfeeding but report difficulty in advising mothers with lactation problems. The purpose of this study is to assess knowledge about breastfeeding among primary care physicians and residents and identify potential barriers to its promotion. One hundred seventy-seven residents and physicians answered an anonymous questionnaire. The participants recognized breastfeeding benefits but 26% did not encourage exclusive breastfeeding. Mastitis, breast abscess, and the use of medications by the mother were considered contraindications to breastfeeding. Temporary breastfeeding discontinuation and bilirubin levels measurement were the preferred recommendations for the jaundiced infant. Most physicians received training in breastfeeding benefits although they report fair knowledge in myths, techniques, and contraindications. Physicians demonstrated to recognize breastfeeding benefits, but formal education is needed to eliminate barriers to breastfeeding promotion and support. Keywords Breastfeeding knowledge Á Breastfeeding barriers Á Medical education
´ G. Leavitt Á L. Garcıa (&) Neonatology Section, Department of Pediatrics, UPR School of Medicine, P.O. Box 365067, San Juan 00936-5067, PR, USA e-mail: lougarcia@rcm.upr.edu ´ S. Martınez Department of Pediatrics, San Juan City Hospital, PMB # 79, P.O. Box 70344, San Juan 00936-8344, PR, USA N. Ortiz Department of Pediatrics, UPR School of Medicine, P.O. Box 365067, San Juan 00936-5067, PR, USA
Introduction The
ORIGINAL PAPER
Knowledge About Breastfeeding Among a Group of Primary Care Physicians and Residents in Puerto Rico
´ Gloria Leavitt Æ Silma Martınez Æ Nerian Ortiz Æ ´ Lourdes Garcıa
Published online: 27 September 2008 Ó Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2008
Abstract Physicians have an essential role in promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding as the ideal method of infant feeding. They are in an important position to promote breastfeeding but report difficulty in advising mothers with lactation problems. The purpose of this study is to assess knowledge about breastfeeding among primary care physicians and residents and identify potential barriers to its promotion. One hundred seventy-seven residents and physicians answered an anonymous questionnaire. The participants recognized breastfeeding benefits but 26% did not encourage exclusive breastfeeding. Mastitis, breast abscess, and the use of medications by the mother were considered contraindications to breastfeeding. Temporary breastfeeding discontinuation and bilirubin levels measurement were the preferred recommendations for the jaundiced infant. Most physicians received training in breastfeeding benefits although they report fair knowledge in myths, techniques, and contraindications. Physicians demonstrated to recognize breastfeeding benefits, but formal education is needed to eliminate barriers to breastfeeding promotion and support. Keywords Breastfeeding knowledge Á Breastfeeding barriers Á Medical education
´ G. Leavitt Á L. Garcıa (&) Neonatology Section, Department of Pediatrics, UPR School of Medicine, P.O. Box 365067, San Juan 00936-5067, PR, USA e-mail: lougarcia@rcm.upr.edu ´ S. Martınez Department of Pediatrics, San Juan City Hospital, PMB # 79, P.O. Box 70344, San Juan 00936-8344, PR, USA N. Ortiz Department of Pediatrics, UPR School of Medicine, P.O. Box 365067, San Juan 00936-5067, PR, USA
Introduction The
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