A Comparison of Advice About Breast-Feeding Given by Community Midwives in Swansea (UK) and Shahrekord (Iran)

Abstract

The most common reason for women ceasing breast-feeding were lack of support and appropriate advice. To explore the advice about breast-feeding given by community midwives and compare and contrast their advice in Swansea (UK) and Shahrekord (Iran). Data collected through semi-structured interview with a sample of 12 community midwives, 6 from each country. Purposive sample was selected as capable of giving a wide range of responses. Following transcriptions of the interviews, data were analyzed using a content analysis approach.Within Education, Support, Antenatal and Postnatal Advice Themes, categories and sub-categories emerged from the data. Participants were generally aware of their role in supporting women in the process of breast-feeding.The knowledge obtained through research and education should be shared with women so that informed decision of feeding method can be made. More training staff might produce better outcome.