Abstract
Introduction: Breastfeeding is an unparalleled method of food for healthy growth and development of infants, and pregnancy provides numerous teachable moments for antenatal breastfeeding education, yet Midwives struggle to provide more than the basic, physicality of breastfeeding to women during pregnancy. This project aimed to rectify this through the development of strategies based on biological and social research, and adult learning theory, all now provided in a comprehensive Handbook. The Australian Government confirmed breastfeeding status through the release of the Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy 2010-2015, and the 2012 NHMRC Infant Feeding Guidelines. Recent Australian Institute of Health and Welfare figures indicate, that whilst the breastfeeding initiation rate is high (96%), there is a rapid decline in the number of women breastfeeding by the time the infant is four weeks of age (61%), with only 15% of infants being exclusively breastfed around six months. Further it appears that the initiation and duration rates amongst Indigenous women and those from some culturally and the linguistically diverse backgrounds are lower. Contrary to the long-held belief of practitioners, expectant parents are thirsty for antenatal breastfeeding education and they can learn. Method: Needs assessment conducted over 6 months in 2013/ 2014 confirmed this. It included:
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