Goals, dilemmas and assumptions in infant feeding education and support

Abstract

Research unwrapped is a popular series to help readers make sense of published research by undertaking a detailed appraisal of a published research article in a careful and considered manner. In doing so we can advance our knowledge and understanding of a research topic and apply it to our practice. This process is designed to assess the usefulness of the evidence in terms of decision making and application to practice. It is important that the appraisal is critical and that midwives are evaluative in their reading of research. Somewhat unusually, this month's paper is unwrapped by the authors (Trickey and Newburn 2012). Clearly insiders, they would not claim that their 'unwrapping' is neutral. Their proximity to the subject matter may prevent them from seeing things that strike the more distanced observer. However, Trickey and Newburn believe the insider perspective allows them to convey something of the experience of facilitating shifts in thinking using an innovative and participative methodology. They are openly keen to draw attention to the implications for midwives and others.