Knowledge and Attitudes of Undergraduate Nursing Students toward Breastfeeding Support and Maternal Education

Abstract

Breastfeeding is recognized globally as the optimal method of infant feeding because of its nutritional, immunological, psychological, and developmental benefits for both mother and child. Nurses play a major role in promoting breastfeeding practices and educating mothers during antenatal and postnatal periods. Undergraduate nursing students represent the future nursing workforce; therefore, their knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding support significantly influence maternal and child healthcare outcomes. This paper examines the knowledge levels, perceptions, and attitudes of undergraduate nursing students regarding breastfeeding support and maternal education. The study explores the importance of breastfeeding education in nursing curricula, identifies barriers that limit effective breastfeeding counseling, and evaluates factors influencing students’ competencies and confidence in supporting lactating mothers. Evidence from previous studies demonstrates that although many nursing students possess favorable attitudes toward breastfeeding, significant gaps remain in practical knowledge and counseling skills. Educational interventions such as simulation-based learning, clinical exposure, workshops, and structured breastfeeding modules have shown positive effects on improving competency levels. The paper further discusses the role of nursing institutions in strengthening maternal education programs and creating evidence-based training opportunities. Improving breastfeeding-related education among nursing students is essential for enhancing breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and continuation rates worldwide.

KEYWORDS: Breastfeeding, Nursing Students, Maternal Education, Lactation Support, Infant Nutrition, Nursing Education, Breastfeeding Counseling, Maternal Health  

Breastfeeding is recognized globally as the optimal method of infant feeding because of its nutritional, immunological, psychological, and developmental benefits for both mother and child. Nurses play a major role in promoting breastfeeding practices and educating mothers during antenatal and postnatal periods. Undergraduate nursing students represent the future nursing workforce; therefore, their knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding support significantly influence maternal and child healthcare outcomes. This paper examines the knowledge levels, perceptions, and attitudes of undergraduate nursing students regarding breastfeeding support and maternal education. The study explores the importance of breastfeeding education in nursing curricula, identifies barriers that limit effective breastfeeding counseling, and evaluates factors influencing students’ competencies and confidence in supporting lactating mothers. Evidence from previous studies demonstrates that although many nursing students possess favorable attitudes toward breastfeeding, significant gaps remain in practical knowledge and counseling skills. Educational interventions such as simulation-based learning, clinical exposure, workshops, and structured breastfeeding modules have shown positive effects on improving competency levels. The paper further discusses the role of nursing institutions in strengthening maternal education programs and creating evidence-based training opportunities. Improving breastfeeding-related education among nursing students is essential for

enhancing breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and continuation rates worldwide.

KEYWORDS: Breastfeeding, Nursing Students, Maternal Education, Lactation Support, Infant Nutrition, Nursing Education, Breastfeeding Counseling, Maternal Health