Is breastfeeding education in midwifery programs sufficient to equip future midwives? Phase 1: A curriculum mapping study

PROBLEM/BACKGROUND/AIMS: Extensive global research confirms the wide-ranging health and psychological benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for both infants and mothers, yet global breastfeeding rates remain low. This paper reports Phase 1 findings from a multiphase national breastfeeding study. The aim is to explore where midwives and midwifery students acquire their breastfeeding knowledge, to better understand contributing factors to inconsistent advice provided to breastfeeding mothers, an issue associated with early breastfeeding cessation. DESIGN: A quantitative descriptive design was used to map the timing and frequency of breastfeeding related content in Australian midwifery curricula, specifically in relation to the national midwifery accreditation standards. RESULTS: Curricular mapping across 14 universities revealed considerable variation, which included inconsistencies in prioritising specific breastfeeding standards, lack of early and consistent exposure of breastfeeding and lactation content as well as implementation gaps. CONCLUSION: Findings support the need for nationally consistent, evidence-based midwifery curricula to reduce variability in breastfeeding education and the support provided to mothers. Although accreditation standards require the inclusion of breastfeeding and lactation content in midwifery curricula, implementation remains inconsistent. Addressing these gaps through standardised competencies and ongoing curriculum evaluation would better prepare midwives to deliver breastfeeding support and reduce conflicting advice for families.