CLINICAL QUESTION

Do breastfeeding support interventions effectively extend the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding in mothers and healthy infants delivered at full term?

EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER

There is moderate evidence that women who receive breastfeeding support interventions are more likely to continue breastfeeding up to 6 months postpartum; these interventions also appear to increase exclusive breastfeeding (i.e., breast milk is the only form of nutrition). The type of support (i.e., virtual, in-person, or by a health professional vs. a peer) does not significantly affect outcomes.¹ (Strength of Recommendation: A, consistent, good-quality patient-oriented evidence.)

PRACTICE POINTERS

Although the World Health Organization, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians recommend exclusive breastfeeding until infants are 6 months of age, only 25% of mothers in the United States follow these recommendations, and less than 36% breastfeed after 1 year.² The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggests providing breastfeeding support, which can include reassurance, information, and counseling, to increase breastfeeding rates.³ The authors of this Cochrane review sought to investigate the effectiveness of breastfeeding support on breastfeeding duration and exclusivity.