Authors' objectives:

This bulletin aims to summarise the available evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to promote the initiation of breastfeeding.

Authors' recommendations: Breastfeeding is a key public health measure which offers benefits to both mother and infant. Yet the number of women initiating breastfeeding in the UK remains low at around 40% to 60%, with women in social class V having the lowest uptake rates. Cultural factors, including media representation of artificial feeding as 'normal' are likely to influence the choice and ability of mothers to breastfeed, as are the facilities provided in public places for mothers to feed their infants. Consideration needs to be given to the revision of local and national policy to reflect an evidence-based approach to the promotion of breastfeeding with particular emphasis on the reduction of inequalities in health in accordance with The NHS Plan. There is some evidence to suggest that small, informal discussion classes led by health professionals that emphasise the benefits of breastfeeding, and provide practical advice, can increase initiation rates. The use of literature alone appears to have limited impact and cannot be recommended. Most breastfeeding training courses for health professionals have not been formally evaluated. Where training courses are provided, their effectiveness needs to be evaluated. Peer support programmes offered by experienced and trained peers may increase the numbers of women breastfeeding. Such programmes could be further developed and breastfeeding rates monitored.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/ehcb.htm

Year Published: 2000

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: University of York

Contact Address: University of York, York, Y01 5DD, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1904 321040, Fax: +44 1904 321041,

Contact Name: crd@york.ac.uk

Contact Email: crd@york.ac.uk

Copyright: Centre for Reviews and Dissemination