Spirituality, Religion and Breastfeeding: A Scoping Review

Abstract

IntroductionSpirituality and religion are often used as coping mechanisms during times of struggle or change. A clear understanding of the impact of spirituality and religious beliefs on breastfeeding is essential to providing culturally appropriate care to breastfeeding mothers of diverse religious backgrounds.MethodsA scoping review of evidence-based literature was conducted. A total of 45 studies published globally were reviewed and analyzed.ResultsGlobally, religion as a socio-demographic factor has direct and indirect associations with breastfeeding. Spiritual/religious aspects that serve as motivators for breastfeeding include its emphasis in religious texts; spiritual qualities of breastmilk; prayer; and the influence of faith communities. Spiritual/religious barriers to breastfeeding include milk sharing concerns; pre-lacteal feeds and colostrum beliefs, sexual abstinence during breastfeeding; fasting; modesty concerns; and belief in the evil eye.ConclusionConsidering the diversity in maternal spiritual belief systems, providing patient-centred support and counselling to breastfeeding mothers is vital.