A critical review of the impact of continuing breastfeeding education provided to nurses and midwives.

This review of 15 studies from nine different countries analyzes the practice of continuing education on breastfeeding for health professionals, with a specific focus on nurses and midwives. Continuing breastfeeding education improves the knowledge, clinical skills and practices, and counseling skills of nurses and midwives, and it improves the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative compliance of institutions. Education of any duration is beneficial; however, findings support the recommendation of the World Health Organization that at least 18 hours' education for all health professionals who advise pregnant women and mothers should be undertaken.