Breastfeeding information in nursing textbooks needs improvement.

The objective of this study was to determine if breastfeeding information in maternal-child (nursing) textbooks used in the United States is accurate and up to date. Six nursing textbooks, all published since 1999, were reviewed using a standardized scoring sheet. Five reviewers (1 pediatrician, 2 lactation consultants, 1 nurse, and 1 research assistant) examined breastfeeding content in each text. Each textbook was graded for inclusion of 20 basic breastfeeding facts derived from recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization. Of the 20 criteria scored, the mean number present was 17 (range, 14-19). For each category, the mean number of criteria was correct (11.8; range, 10-15) incorrect (5.2; range, 2-8), and omitted (3.0; range, 1-6). The scores were Pilliteri 10/20 (50%), Ladewig 11/20 (55%), Leifer 11/20 (55%), Ball 12/20 (60%), London 12/20 (60%), and Klossner 15/20 (75%). Thus, breastfeeding information in these nursing textbooks, when not omitted, was at times found to be inaccurate and inconsistent.