Current Breastfeeding Attitudes, Knowledge and Confidence of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in Australia and New Zealand.

Abstract

Background: There are limited data on what obstetricians and gynaecologists (O&G) know and think about supporting breastfeeding women.

Aims: To investigate breastfeeding attitudes, knowledge and confidence of Australian and New Zealand O&G specialists and trainees in educating, assessing and managing breastfeeding women.

Materials and methods: An online REDCap survey was distributed via email in February 2023 to fellows and trainees of the Royal Australian New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). The survey included questions on demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and confidence about breastfeeding.

Results: Of 312 (11%) respondents, 63% were > 40 years old, 78% female and two-thirds had personally breastfed. Half had no formal breastfeeding education. Mean score related to attitude was 4.8/7 (71.1%) with higher scores associated with extra training (β = 0.44 (95% CI 0.04, 0.84)) and personal breastfeeding (β = 0.37 (95% CI 0.15, 0.60)). Mean correctly answered knowledge score was 9/12 (75%). After adjusting for covariates, the main factors associated with higher knowledge were personal breastfeeding (β = 0.45 (95% CI 0.21, 0.69)) and being female (β = 0.58 (95% CI 0.10, 1.07)). Overall mean confidence score was 4.8/7 (68.6%); however, only 37% felt confident in managing breastfeeding challenges, and 60% would value more breastfeeding education. Factors associated with increased confidence included personal breastfeeding (β = 0.52 (95% CI 0.31, 0.73)), increased age (β = 0.39 (95% CI 0.64, 0.71)), and extra training (β = 0.84 (95% CI 0.46, 1.21)).

Conclusions: Confidence about breastfeeding in RANZCOG specialists and trainees was low. The majority of respondents wanted more formal and improved breastfeeding education and training. Breastfeeding educational resources and ongoing training should be developed for O&G trainees and specialists.