Evidence to support targeted investment in breastfeeding education among families of low socioeconomic status

Commentary on: Kopp SJ, Kelly EA, DeFranco EA. Influence of social determinants of health on breastfeeding intent in the USA. Birth. 2023 Jul 3. doi: 10.1111/birt.12740. Epub ahead of print. Implications for practice and research Healthcare providers should focus on improving knowledge around breastfeeding guidelines and the benefits of breast feeding for mothers in low socioeconomic status (SES) groups. Focusing research on breastfeeding intention (rather than rates) in low SES groups may help to improve breastfeeding outcomes as breastfeeding intentions are a significant predictor of breastfeeding initiation. Context Breastfeeding sets the foundation for healthy growth and development, with many recognised benefits for both infant and maternal health. Thus, socioeconomic disparities in breastfeeding—which are widely reported in the USA and many other Western countries1—contribute significantly to socioeconomic health disparities across the lifespan. Breastfeeding intentions are an established predictor of breastfeeding outcomes, yet most...
Source: Evidence-Based Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Women's Health and Midwifery Source Type: research