ACOG: Breast-Feeding Content of Ob-Gyn Textbooks Lacking
Popular obstetrics and gynecology textbooks lack the most current information on breast-feeding, and often omit key content such as normal breast-feeding patterns and strategies to improve breast-feeding rates, according to research findings presented at the 56th Annual Clinical Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists held this week in New Orleans.
TUESDAY, May 6 (HealthDay News) -- Popular obstetrics and gynecology textbooks lack the most current information on breast-feeding, and often omit key content such as normal breast-feeding patterns and strategies to improve breast-feeding rates, according to research findings presented at the 56th Annual Clinical Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) held this week in New Orleans.
Tony Ogburn, M.D., of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, and colleagues reviewed the most recent editions of the five most popular obstetrics and gynecology textbooks to determine the accuracy of breast-feeding content. The books were graded based on inclusion of 18 key breast-feeding facts derived from recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the World Health Organization.
The researchers found that breast-feeding content in the textbooks was highly variable, inconsistent or inaccurate. Key information was often missing, including descriptions of normal feeding patterns, strategies to improve breast-feeding initiation and continuation rates, and baby-centered information.
"Popular obstetrics and gynecology textbooks may not provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on breast-feeding. Authors of textbooks should ensure that information about breast-feeding is accurate and complete. Providers should consider sources other than textbooks for information on breast-feeding," the authors conclude.
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