Which population groups are at risk and why?
This section will focus on core epidemiological issues that take account of fixed risk factors (such as age, gender, ethnicity, family history) and modifiable risk factors (such as behaviour). The wider determinants of health (such as housing, transport and environment) are also considered.
Age
Younger mothers are less likely to breastfeed due to lack of confidence, peer pressure and limited exposure to positive breastfeeding role models1.
Socioeconomic status
Mothers living in deprived areas often face multiple barriers including limited access to support services; lower levels of breastfeeding education; and greater exposure to formula marketing2.
Qualifications
Women with lower levels of educational qualifications are at most risk. Breastfeeding rates are significantly higher among women who are older, more affluent and have higher educational attainment3.
Ethnicity
Mothers from ethnic minority backgrounds are significantly more likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding compared to White British mothers. However, while mothers from diverse ethnic backgrounds often value breastfeeding, they may face barriers related to service accessibility, language and cultural sensitivity 4, 5.
Sexual Orientation
Infants born to lesbian women had significantly lower odds of ever being breastfed and of being breastfed for more than 6 months compared to infants born to heterosexual women6.
Vulnerable Children
Vulnerable children are at greater risk of not being breastfed, particularly those born to teenage mothers, children living in deprived areas and those affected by complex social circumstances 7, 8.
Sick infants and children in paediatric care settings face additional challenges to breastfeeding9.