Knowledge, attitudes and practices of health professionals and women towards medication use in breastfeeding: A review
2011

Medication Use in Breastfeeding: Health Professionals' Knowledge and Women's Experiences

Sample size: 31 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Hussainy Safeera Y, Dermele Narmin

Primary Institution: Monash University

Hypothesis

What are the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health professionals and women regarding medication use during breastfeeding?

Conclusion

Health professionals often have poor knowledge about medication safety in breastfeeding, leading to inconsistent advice for women.

Supporting Evidence

  • Many health professionals have poor knowledge about medication safety in breastfeeding.
  • Women often receive conflicting advice about whether to continue breastfeeding while taking medications.
  • Health professionals' recommendations are sometimes based on personal experience rather than evidence.

Takeaway

Doctors and pharmacists sometimes don't know enough about medications and breastfeeding, which can make it hard for moms to get the right advice.

Methodology

A literature review was conducted using keywords to search databases and journals for relevant studies published from 1990 onwards.

Potential Biases

Health professionals' personal experiences with breastfeeding may bias their recommendations.

Limitations

The review is limited by the lack of high-quality evidence from randomized controlled trials on medication safety during breastfeeding.

Participant Demographics

The studies included health professionals from various countries and breastfeeding women, but specific demographics were not detailed.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1746-4358-6-11

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