Breastfeeding Support Programs: Systematic Review of Socioeconomic Literature

Author

Chinelo Ibekwe, University of Mississippi. Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors CollegeFollow

Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

First Advisor

John Green

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

This thesis describes a systematic review and analysis of literature concerning breastfeeding and programs focused on improving breastfeeding participation. It examines breastfeeding programs with respect to intervention evaluation and the economic impact of breastfeeding programs, and scrutinizes social factors such as race, ethnicity, cultural identity, income, and age which potentially influence the outcomes of these breastfeeding programs. It explores how breastfeeding programs have reduced rehospitalization of low birth weight and preterm infants through the implementation of one or a combination of the following services to mothers and babies: breast pump supplies, education, and training on breastfeeding, transportation to and from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and in-home visits with social workers, community health workers, and lactation specialists. A systematic literature review was conducted, and 150 articles were found, but 89 were reviewed based on their attention to one or a combination of the following: cost benefits analysis of breastfeeding programs, intervention evaluation of breastfeeding programs, economic impact of breastfeeding programs, methods implemented to reduce rehospitalization of low birth weight and preterm infants, social factors influencing the outcome of breastfeeding programs, health benefits of breastfeeding to the mother and infant, and breastfeeding trends in the United States and federal policies on breastfeeding. The findings from these articles showed that to maximize the cost savings and economic impact of breastfeeding, programs should take into account the cultural, individual, and economic background of the mother while simultaneously initiating improvement techniques such as: better training of healthcare professionals, longer durations of paid maternity and paternity leaves, and increased provision of education and support to nursing mothers.

Recommended Citation

Ibekwe, Chinelo, "Breastfeeding Support Programs: Systematic Review of Socioeconomic Literature" (2018). Honors Theses. 190.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/190

Accessibility Status

Searchable text