The Toowoomba infant feeding support service project: Report on phase 1 - a longitudinal needs analysis of breastfeeding behaviours and supports in the Toowoomba region

Abstract

This study represents a needs analysis of breastfeeding issues in the Darling Downs region of Queensland. It involved a longitudinal study of regional, rural and remotely located mothers giving birth in the public and private hopsitals in Toowoomba. In line with gaps in knowledge identified in the literature, the aims of the project were to: ascertain the breastfeeding initiation rates and breastfeeding duration for mothers in the sample; determine if these rates were affected by rurality or hospital type; identify variables statistically related to predication of initiation of breastfeeding and breastfeeding duration; determine the adequacy of information provided to mothers by hospital staff about breastfeeding and postnatal supports; and identify the availability, utilisation, and perceived helpfulness of postnatal breastfeeding services and supports in the region.