An-Najah Staff

Introduction: Breastfeeding is an important public health measure, it has been recognized as the best infant feeding method for both its physiologic and psychological benefits for mothers and infants. Aim: the aim of this study is to asses midwives and nurses knowledge toward breast feeding Method: quantitative cross sectional study was conducted in Nablus city, in governmental and private hospitals and clinics, 34 individuals were randomly selected(19 nurse and 15 midwives), form august to December 2010 , by using questionnaire. Results: knowledge of nurses and midwifes about breast feeding arranged between medium degree to very high degree. No difference toward breast feeding knowledge according to (specialization, years of experience, age, qualifications). But only the difference in knowledge is according to breast feeding training courses. Assessing General Knowledge has gotten high degree with percentage of 69.5, Knowledge of Physiological benefits of breastfeeding has gotten high degree with percentage of 78.5 Knowledge of contraindication to Brest feeding has gotten 83.0 which is very high degree, , Knowledge of contraindication to Brest feeding has gotten high degree with percentage of 78.0 and Newborn feeding Ability has gotten high degree with percentage 67.8 . Conclusion: this study approved that Nurses& midwives are knowledgeable toward breast feeding. No difference toward breast feeding knowledge is present according to several variables, But difference is present according BFN training course