Table 3 Interventions documented by health visitors to support breastfeeding

Antenatal discussion on benefits & management of breastfeeding

None

48 (33%)

Leaflets only

73 (50%)

Discuss with pregnant women

22 (15%)

Not known

3 (2%)

Postnatal contact with breastfeeding mothers

Some contact from 10 days to 6 weeks

45 (31%)

Weekly contact phone/clinic/etc

38 (26%)

Weekly home visits

30 (21%)

Available if mother phones

20 (14%)

Variable depends on need

12 (8%)

Not known

1 (1%)

Median (range)

Contact with breastfeeding mothers (17–21 January 2000)

Breastfeeding mothers in caseload

5 (0–54)

Mothers initiated contact with each HV

3 (0–50)

Mothers contacted by each HV

1 (0–20)

Lactation histories taken by each HV

0 (0–10)

Breastfeeds observed by each HV

0 (0–10)

Health Visitors' use of materials provided by manufacturers of breast milk substitutes

Any use

107 (73%)

Leaflets/posters on milk feeding/weaning

54 (37%)

Leaflets/posters on other child care issues

66 (45%)

Weight conversion charts

78 (53%)

Obstetric calendars

58 (40%)

Other calendars

53 (36%)

Diaries/Diary covers

40 (27%)

Other

22 (15%)

Breastfeeding support groups

None available for HV caseload

40 (27%)

Breastfeeding in waiting area at GP surgery where HV practices

All staff would respond positively

63 (43%)

Private room available if required

57 (39%)

Practice has policy/standard or Baby Friendly Certificate of Commitment

7 (5%)

Local Health Care Cooperative has a policy on breastfeeding

21 (14%)

Breastfeeding data recorded in HV practice

Initiation of breastfeeding

66 (45%)

Breastfeeding duration

47 (32%)

Breastfeeding training in HVs practice in last 2 years

1. HV received any training

92 (63%)

2. Course lasting at least 2 days

80 (55%)

3. Other practice staff received training

15 (10%)

4. GPs received training

4 (3%)