A comparison of two methods of antenatal breast-feeding education

maternal perceptions of success using the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale (MBFES) (Leff et al. 1994) and breast-feeding duration rates up to 25 weeks after birth were the outcome measures. No differences were found between groups in relation to maternal perceptions of success or duration rates. A difference was, however, detected in the qualitative data used to explore questions related to breastfeeding support and are to be reported elsewhere. Overall, breast-feeding duration rates were very high when compared to previously reported breast-feeding duration rates in Australia. There were no differences in breast-feeding duration rates or in maternal perceptions of success between those babies given supplementary feeds in hospital and those who were not, although early supplementation at home appeared to reduce breast-feeding duration.