Survey research on Mississippi obstetricians who are involved in breastfeeding education and support

The 2008 Breastfeeding Report Card compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Mississippi as one of the states with the lowest rates of breastfeeding. Mississippi scores indicated that there is need for improvement and collaboration between health care professionals must be strengthened. This survey research was conducted on Mississippi obstetricians and their involvement in breastfeeding education and support. One hundred sixteen obstetricians (59.2% response rate) participated which investigated their knowledge, awareness, and practices of the Ten Steps. One-way ANOVA indicated that there was a statistically significant difference among obstetricians based on years in practice in their agreement of the impact of discussing breastfeeding with patients as influential in their decision to choose breastfeeding, F (4,110) = 3.468, p < .05. Obstetricians (n=36) who have been practicing for 20+ years reported a higher level of agreement. One-way ANOVA showed that there was a statistically significant difference among obstetricians based on years in practice in their agreement that breastfed babies do not need water before six months of age, F(4,110) = 2.497, p < .05. Obstetricians (n=26) who have been practicing for 16-20 years reported a lower level of agreement. Although there were significant differences, overall the obstetrician (38/116) reported uncertainty for this item. The other demographic characteristics collected were gender, personal infant feeding choice, curriculum in medical school, and continuing education within the last three years. This statewide survey on practicing Mississippi obstetricians adds another dimension to the ongoing investigation of maternity care practices.