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Growing acceptance that measurable improvements in public health, particularly in lower-income groups, could be achieved by increasing the incidence of breastfeeding has focused attention on the current lack of educational provision in breastfeeding issues for many health professionals. An audit of general practitioners in one area of northern England revealed an interest in receiving breastfeeding training. Department of Health funding was obtained by the breastfeeding subgroup of the local Maternity Services Liaison Committee to develop, deliver and evaluate a practice-based educational session supplemented by a resource pack. Over a 12-month period, 22 practices received the session and the project was evaluated using an illuminative evaluation model. Response rates to two evaluation questionnaires of 81% (133/164) and 62.5% (65/104) were achieved and findings indicated high levels of satisfaction with the session and its accompanying resource pack. Qualitative data related to perceived influence on future practice were subjected to thematic network analysis and revealed four main (organizing) themes: the acquisition of greater knowledge, improved access to resources, a proactive approach to breastfeeding support and the creation of a breastfeeding-friendly environment. The illuminative evaluation also identified recurring issues that could impact on any attempt to replicate or adapt this project; these were the influence of personal breastfeeding experiences, the desire for greater interaction during the training session and the wider implications for practice education of multidisciplinary attendance.

The experiences and support needs of adolescent mothers who commenced breastfeeding were elicited using focus groups and in-depth semistructured interviews. The study took place in the North West of England, UK. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic networks analysis. Five themes related to experiences emerged: feeling watched and judged, lacking confidence, tiredness, discomfort, and sharing accountability. A further 5 themes were developed to describe the adolescents' support needs: emotional support, esteem support, instrumental support, informational support, and network support. These forms of support were most effective when provided together in a synergistic way and within a trusting relationship. Key supporters identified were the mother's mother, the partner, and the midwife employed in a teenage pregnancy coordinator role. Health professionals need to further explore the ways in which relationships may be developed and sustained that provide the range of support required by adolescent mothers to enable them to continue breastfeeding.