Supporting young mothers to follow recommended breastfeeding practices

Abstract

Despite the well-evidenced health benefits and other benefits of breastfeeding, and the breastfeeding recommendations from peak bodies including the World Health Organization and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, breastfeeding rates are significantly lower than recommended in Australia and globally. In high-income countries including Australia, young mothers have been found to be at a higher risk of not breastfeeding their infants according to recommended practices as compared to older mothers. Young mothers make up a substantial proportion of mothers in Australia, yet they represent an understudied section of the Australian population that are at high risk of poor breastfeeding practices. Thus, young mothers require targeted focus to support and enable them to follow recommended breastfeeding practices. The primary objectives of this study were: 1. To examine the range and effectiveness of interventions which have been designed to increase rates of exclusive breastfeeding among young mothers in high-income countries. 2. To gain an in-depth understanding of young Australian mothers' experiences of infant feeding, and to explore the factors which facilitated or hindered adherence to recommended breastfeeding practices. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate interventions which aimed to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding among young mothers in high-income countries. A qualitative study was conducted to explore young Australian mothers' experiences of infant feeding. Peer counselling was identified as the most promising strategy associated with higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding in young mothers. There is a need for interventions that target young mothers specifically, so that they are supported to follow breastfeeding recommendations. Young mothers experience significant challenges with breastfeeding. However, when young mothers are supported by family and professionals, they are more likely to overcome those challenges. Breastfeeding education should include information on all infant feeding options, and should also be available to fathers, grandmothers, and other family members. Breastfeeding campaigns should be aimed at the wider community to increase public awareness of breastfeeding challenges, reduce stigma associated with breastfeeding in public, and to support mothers in their infant feeding decisions.

Date of Award	2021
Original language	English