Author:
Tarrant Roslyn C.,Kearney John M.
Abstract
Breast-feeding is the superior infant feeding method from birth, with research
consistently demonstrating its numerous short- and long-term health benefits for
both mother and infant. As a global recommendation the WHO advises that mothers
should exclusively breast-feed for the first 6-months of life, thus delaying the
introduction of solids during this time. Historically, Irish breast-feeding
initiation rates have remained strikingly low in comparison with international
data and there has been little improvement in breast-feeding duration rates.
There is wide geographical variation in terms of breast-feeding initiation both
internationally and in Ireland. Some of these differences in breast-feeding
rates may be associated with differing socio-economic characteristics. A recent
cross-sectional prospective study of 561 pregnant women attending a Dublin
hospital and followed from the antenatal period to 6 months post partum has
found that 47% of the Irish-national mothers initiated
breast-feeding, while only 24% were still offering
‘any’ breast milk to their infants at 6 weeks.
Mothers' positive antenatal feeding intention to breast-feed is
indicated as one of the most important independent determinants of initiation
and ‘any’ breast-feeding at 6 weeks, suggesting that the
antenatal period should be targeted as an effective time to influence and affect
mothers' attitudes and beliefs pertaining to breast-feeding. These
results suggest that the ‘cultural’ barrier towards
breast-feeding appears to still prevail in Ireland and consequently an
environment that enables women to breast-feed is far from being achieved.
Undoubtedly, a shift towards a more positive and accepting breast-feeding
culture is required if national breast-feeding rates are to improve.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Subject
Nutrition and Dietetics,Medicine (miscellaneous)
Reference97 articles.
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