School Nurses and Teachers

Abstract

School nurses and middle and high school teachers ( N = 107) participated in a survey that explored their attitudes and behaviors related to the inclusion of breastfeeding content to highlight the scientific and exceptional health advantages of breastfeeding and to promote a breastfeeding culture. Although some participants believed that breastfeeding content should not be part of school curriculum, the vast majority (86.9%) agreed that the benefits of breastfeeding should be taught to high school students; and over half (57.9%) supported teaching about the value of breastfeeding to middle school children. School nurses are well positioned to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors among student populations and play a pivotal and important role in the promotion of a breastfeeding culture and related positive behaviors.