Linking Breastfeeding Support Training and Certification to Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Attitudes among Alabama Healthcare Professionals

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine whether healthcare professionals' breastfeeding-related training and certification are associated with breastfeeding support knowledge, self-efficacy, and attitudes. METHODS: An online survey was created by modifying existing instruments. Items assessed Alabama healthcare professionals' certification in breastfeeding support, breastfeeding support-related training experience, knowledge, self-efficacy, and attitudes. Participants were healthcare providers and administrators serving infants and expectant or new mothers in Alabama, recruited by e-mailing through Alabama professional organization listservs and personal contacts. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between breastfeeding support-related variables. RESULTS: =0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Enhancing breastfeeding training for healthcare professionals in Alabama may help address the state's low breastfeeding rates and improve health equity for mothers and infants. Certification in breastfeeding support provides an additional level of training and should be encouraged. These findings underscore the need for targeted training interventions among healthcare professionals in Alabama.