Breast is best for GPs--or is it? Breastfeeding attitudes and practice of general practitioners in the Mid-West of Ireland.

In light of the 1994 National Breastfeeding Policy and the 1999 Mid-Western Health Board (MWHB) Breastfeeding Strategy, a telephone survey of 164 General Practitioners (GPs) in the Mid-West was performed to ascertain their attitudes and practice in relation to breastfeeding. 95% believe breastfeeding promotion is part of their role and almost 40% consider GPs influential in the decision to breastfeed. Less than 10% have formal breastfeeding training, while 1/3 would be interested in formal training. 80% promote breastfeeding, and 90% are confident to deal with breastfeeding problems. Those with formal training reported higher promotion and confidence rates, and scored higher on management scenarios, GPs in the Mid-West of Ireland have positive attitudes towards breastfeeding. Training in relation to breastfeeding appears lacking, however. Formal training appears to confer advantage, and if, made accessible to interested GPs has the potential to positively influence breastfeeding rates.