Table 2 Themes and quotations relating to breastfeeding medicine education for medical students: medical teachers’ views

The competence of the medical students in breastfeeding medicine is not optimal.

‘Actually, breastfeeding education in our college is very limited, which does not facilitate good support for breastfeeding or education for mothers.’ ‘There is a lot of confusion about baby formula, about whether it is the same, or merely similar to, mother’s milk, or better than mother’s milk.’ (MT6)

Textbooks used by medical colleges are not rich in breastfeeding medicine content.

‘There is a lack of good resources on this topic in our college curriculum.’ (MT3)

‘There is some information about breastfeeding in the general pediatrics book, but its depth is not acceptable.’ (MT6)

Low or variable level of experience of medical teachers in breastfeeding medicine.

‘If the information about breastfeeding in the textbook is not present, the teachers are also deprived of the knowledge in breastfeeding as they themselves were not taught about it properly.’ (MT5)

‘I don’t think that medical teachers have enough experience in lactation. Even I, an obstetrician for the last 20 years, have learned so many things in this book.’ (MT1)

The pediatrician said, ‘I may be interested in some part of it. For example, I would like to be an expert in teaching the students in the clinical phase about the components of breast milk, because I need them to know by heart how to compare breast milk with formula.’ (MT7)

One curriculum on breastfeeding medicine should be established, regardless of the gender of the medical student.

‘We need the same curriculum for both male and female students because they are professional, and they are exposed to the same situations with the same patients.’ (MT2)

‘It should be equal, even though the female students may someday breastfeed themselves.’ (MT5)

Out of respect for the culture, practical clinical training should be increased for female medical students.

‘Female Saudi medical students should be taught in more depth than males because they are involved more with female care. They can give care with no barriers of sex. She is also a female, and she is a mother or will be a mother in the future.’ (MT6)

Adoption of a breastfeeding teaching module for medical students with customization to fit the culture and the medical college’s curriculum is recommended.

‘If there is a ready module that can be customized, it would be good.’ (MT7)

‘I think we can adapt the WHO module and incorporate it in our curriculum.’ (MT5)

Breastfeeding medicine education should be integrated throughout the years of the medical college’s curriculum. A short, a focused breastfeeding course within one of the major blocks, such as pediatrics or gynecology, should be established.

‘I think breastfeeding education could be scattered, with a condensed study that should be given in a small, short period of time. It is a lot for one block.’ (MT7)

‘Breastfeeding is a great topic and a very large topic, and to have a strong foundation of information, you should present it in stages.’ (MT6)

Assessment (examination) of medical students in breastfeeding is a must.

‘Assessment of medical students in breastfeeding is a definite need as long as it is taught.’ (MT7)

‘Medical students should pass breastfeeding medicine before they become fully licensed.’ (MT5)

A unique curriculum for medical students that differs from that of other health professions is a controversial subject.

‘Every health professional has a role and the physician’s curriculum definitely is different.’ (MT4)

‘Why not? Health professionals should have the same breastfeeding education. Anybody who has weak information will destroy the medical practice.’ (MT6)