A qualitative study exploring the factors impacting student midwives experience of developing their breastfeeding support skills

Objective:
To explore the factors impacting student midwives as they seek to develop their breastfeeding support skills while on a midwifery degree programme in the UK.
Methods:
A qualitative online survey to gather responses from final year student midwives in the UK. Participants were recruited by the dissemination of the survey link via the Lead Midwife for Education (LME) email network. Data collected were analysed using thematic analysis to elicit key themes.
Results and key findings:
Sixty four responses were returned. Four key themes were identified: (1) expertise matters; (2) dissonance between the learning settings; (3) a challenging clinical environment; and (4) nothing can replace direct experience. Participants valued the theoretical underpinning from the university setting but needed greater input around how to deliver breastfeeding support practically and not feel underprepared for this area of practice. Students were positively influenced by time spent with infant feeding specialists. Students were impacted by staff shortages, resulting in their experiencing poor breastfeeding support practices and not getting adequate opportunities to practise their skills under supervision.
Conclusion:
Students were keen to talk about their experiences in university and clinical areas. The degree to which they felt supported to develop their skills was variable and it is clear that more can be done to improve the student midwife experience in this area. Recommendations have been made, including more simulation in the university setting, more training for hospital staff to move away from old practices such as ‘hands-on’ and, finally, for more midwives to be recruited to ensure better conditions for student midwives and maternity staff, and for women and their families.