Presentation Information

Breastfeeding as a Public Health Issue: Do we Have the Right Approach?

• Speaker: Amy Brown , PhD, Professor
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 75 Mins
• Credits: 1.25 CERP, 1.25 Nursing CEU, 1.25 CME, 0.1 Midwifery CEU, 1.25 Dietetic CEU

Abstract:

The majority of women should be able to breastfeed, but elements of their experience are ultimately stopping them from doing so. Breastfeeding works best when done responsively but many psychological, social and cultural factors work directly or more subtly against responsive feeding, meaning that many mothers experience difficulties with breastfeeding which can lead to premature weaning. These factors can include separation of mother and baby, a lack of understanding of breast milk production, public attitudes and wider pressures of motherhood to name a few. If we want to support mothers to breastfeed we must understand and target these wider factors to create a supportive breastfeeding environment. It is important however that our approaches to breastfeeding promotion and education are perceived positively by mothers in order for them to be effective. In this presentation I’ll be addressing the common barriers to breastfeeding and their impact, along with new research that looks at how mothers perceive common breastfeeding education messaging and what this research tells us about how we can change our approach to ensure our messages have the intended impact.