Breastfeeding JSNA

Evidence base

This section provides links and a brief summary of a robust evidence base. For example, peer-reviewed studies, systematic reviews, evaluations of interventions and best practice guidelines from national sources.

Issue number

1 = highest priority

 

1

Source

A Guide to Supporting Breastfeeding for the Medical Profession

Title incl. web link

Why are breastfeedomg rates in the UK so low?

Why are breastfeeding rates in the UK so low? | 3 | A Guide to Support

Summary

The main reasons why women stop breastfeeding and how these factors often directly have an impact upon their milk supply. A mother’s intention to initiate and continue breastfeeding can be heavily affected by the attitudes and experiences of those around her. A woman’s partner can also affect her intention and ability to breastfeed. Awareness of these barriers and how to support will enable the rates of breast feeding to potentially increase.

Source

UNICEF

Title incl. web link

Breastfeeding in the UK

Breastfeeding in the UK - Baby Friendly Initiative

Summary

Improving the UK's breastfeeding rates would have a profoundly positive impact on child health. A key aspect of improving breastfeeding rates is the provision of face-to-face, ongoing and predictable support to families across all public services, and social support in the local community.

2

Source

International Journal for Equity in Health

Title incl. web link

Improving support for breastfeeding mothers: a qualitative study on the experiences of breastfeeding among mothers who reside in a deprived and culturally diverse community

Improving support for breastfeeding mothers: a qualitative study on the experiences of breastfeeding among mothers who reside in a deprived and culturally diverse community | International Journal for Equity in Health | Full Text

Summary

Younger mothers are less likely to breastfeed due to lack of confidence, peer pressure and limited exposure to positive breastfeeding role models.

Source

The Food Foundation

Title incl. web link

Breaking down the barriers to breastfeeding to support healthy weight in childhood

EY2 Barriers to breastfeeding 

Summary

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 marketing.

3

Source

International Journal of Epidemiology

Title incl. web link

Are breastfeeding rates higher among mothers delivering in Baby Friendly accredited maternity units in the UK?

Are breastfeeding rates higher among mothers delivering in Baby Friendly accredited maternity units in the UK? | International Journal of Epidemiology | Oxford Academic

Summary

The promotion and support of breastfeeding is a global priority with benefits for maternal and infant health, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries where its relevance for child survival is undisputed. However, breastfeeding rates are strikingly low in some higher-income countries, including the UK. Evidence to support the effectiveness of public health interventions to increase rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration in this setting is limited. We examined whether mothers were more likely to start and continue to breastfeed if they delivered in a UNICEF UK Baby Friendly accredited maternity unit, in a cohort with a high representation of disadvantaged and lower socioeconomic groups with traditionally low rates of breastfeeding.