Exploring breastfeeding knowledge, training, and confidence amongst community pharmacists in London: a cross-sectional survey study.

OBJECTIVES

To explore community pharmacists' breastfeeding knowledge, including medicine-breastfeeding compatibility and breastfeeding complications, training, and confidence levels.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using a paper-based questionnaire over 2 months. Eighty-two pharmacists out of 114 participated, yielding a 72% response rate.

KEY FINDINGS: Although most rated their knowledge positively, objective knowledge was variable; only 11% identified correct breastfeeding duration. Confidence was highest for advising on medicine-breastfeeding compatibility but modest for identifying and managing breastfeeding complications. Nearly all participants (99%) desired further training.

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacists demonstrated inconsistent breastfeeding knowledge and confidence, highlighting the need for structured breastfeeding education within undergraduate and continuing professional development programmes.