The Effects on Professional Practices of a Three-Day Course on Breastfeeding

This study assessed reported changes in clinical breastfeeding support practices following a three-day (approximately 24 hour) course. The course, presented at the Catholic University in Santiago, Chile, included the physiology of lactation and lactational infertility, related policy, clinical skills, the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), and program-related findings. A questionnaire was sent to all participants and an additional systematic sample was telephoned to assure a statistically valid sample. Sixty-nine percent of respondents reported changes in clinical practices resulting from attendance at the course. The results support the concept, now being advanced by the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, that an 18-24 hour course can change clinical practices.