Knowledge and practice of pediatric nurses in Iraq regarding breastfeeding

Regarding breastfeeding. The study is a descriptive study. The sample of the study consisted of 70 nurses working in a pediatric hospital in Erbil. Data were obtained using a Descriptive Characteristics Questionnaire and a Breast Milk and Breastfeeding Information Form. The information form was prepared by the researchers in line with the World Health Organization's breastfeeding principles and the relevant literature. The form consists of 25 questions. Data were evaluated with t test and one-way ANOVA in SPSS program. It was found that 62.5% of the nurses had knowledge about breastfeeding, and the knowledge score of nurses with experience of working in neonatal intensive care was significantly higher than those without experience (t=2.326, p<0.05). In Iraq, 55.7% of nurses rated the breastfeeding status of mothers as inadequate. It is recommended that nurses and mothers should be trained about breastfeeding. KEYWORDS: Nursing, children, Breastfeeding, breast milk, pediatric nursing