Important Role of Medical Training Curriculum to Promote the Rate of Human Milk Feeding

Abstract

The rate of human milk feeding has been decreasing despite the diverse efforts of many physicians and nurses, as well as numerous professional organizations and various international health institutions. The number of physicians and nurses who can provide proper guidance for human milk feeding and offer appropriate knowledge and techniques to allow the most beneficial and convenient manner of breastfeeding is quite deficient. It is suggested that physicians and nurses be trained to teach and educate about the medical importance of human milk feeding to lactating mothers. This can be accomplished through systemic changes in medical education and clinical practice. However, the curricula of medical schools in Korea do not provide enough education and training to effect an increase in human milk feeding. The author strongly recommends that the educational objectives for medical schools and resident training offer more education and training concerning so that they are well aware of breastfeeding basics and techniques, and have ability to solve lactation-associated clinical problems.

Keywords: Breast feeding; Curriculum; Human milk; Medical education.

Fig. 1. Stepwise correct answer about Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative among medical and nursing students. Modified from Kakrani et al. (Int J Prev Med 2015;6:40 [16].