A retrospective, cross-sectional study of an in-home breastfeeding programme

Background: Breastfeeding complications impact on the woman’s ability to initiate and sustain breastfeeding. A local government in-home breastfeeding programme was established to provide support for breastfeeding women after hospital discharge. A purpose built database to record maternal-infant data was piloted during 2001-2003 and data continued to be collected until 2007. This thesis reports on the analysis of the data collection 2003-2007, including demographic information, presenting complications, observational, diagnostic and photographic data. Research Questions: What were the main characteristics and experiences of the women with breastfeeding complications who presented for professional assistance through the Darebin In-Home Breastfeeding programme? What are the implications for breastfeeding women and midwifery practice, from the analysis and findings of this data? ...