Midwives’ and doctors’ views of two publicly-funded Victorian homebirth programs

Abstract

it is recommended that support and promotion of breastfeeding occur at a population level recognising the need to provide targeted support. Aim: To determine breastfeeding rates and local need to identify targeted interventions to improve breastfeeding rates in consultation with regional stakeholders. Methods: A two-stagemixedmethod approachwas undertaken. In stage one, a modified version of the Australian National Infant Feeding Survey (ANIFS) was implemented to establish baseline breastfeeding rates and an understanding of feeding practices in the Mid North of NSW. In stage two, focus groups were facilitated to collect qualitative data on all aspects of breastfeeding experience in the region. One focus group consisted of nine mothers who had successfully breastfed their baby and the second group consisted of eight health professionals providing care to women and families in the Mid North. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify themes. Results: The ANIFS provided baseline data regarding the breastfeeding rates in the Mid-North and highlighted a number of trends. Data from the focus groups were clustered around themes including family support, professional responsibility, personal responsibility and education. Conclusions: The findings have provided valuable feedback to the community and health professional to develop and implement the most appropriate interventions to improve breastfeeding rates and by doing so, contribute to public health care strategies and the reduction of infant morbidity in regional Australia.