Breastfeeding in countries of the European Union and Efta

Current and proposed recommendations, rationale, prevalence, duration and trends

Bibliographic Data

ID15090145
AuthorsAgneta Yngve (0000-0002-7165-279X, Karolinska Institutet, corresponding author), Michael Sjöström (Karolinska Institutet)
Year2001
Volume4
Issue2b
Pages631-645
Publication date2001-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePublic Health Nutrition (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1368-9800 • E-ISSN: 1475-2727
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1079/phn2001147
PMID11683556
OpenAlexW2105854579
LanguageEN
Citations received27
References cited57

Recommendations suggest exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first 4 to 6 months after birth. Paradoxically, an overwhelming proportion of breastfeeding (BF) data in Europe refers to all BF, i.e. not only exclusive but also partial BF (including formula, juices, water, sweetened water etc). This makes it difficult to estimate to what extent the recommendations are met. There is currently strong evidence for recommending exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months. Exclusive BF has progressively gained scientific support. Prevention of infections, allergies and chronic diseases and a favourable cognitive development are highlighted in the recent scientific literature. Further long-term studies on the effects of BF on prevention of chronic disease in the adult are needed. Great differences exist in BF prevalence and duration both within and between European countries. Trends point towards higher prevalence and duration, with some exceptions. Young mothers breastfeed less than older mothers; single and/or less educated mothers breastfeed less than married mothers with more education. However, inefficient and unreliable monitoring systems prevail, and the data are scarce, not only on exclusive BF but also on demographic, socio-economic, psychosocial and medical determinants of BF patterns. National BF co-ordinators have not been appointed in many countries, and only every second country has promotion of BF incorporated into their national plan of action for nutrition. Conclusions: Efficient surveillance systems, comparable across Europe and using common definitions and methodology, need to be developed. These should include determinants of breastfeeding. A European consensus conference should urgently be determinants of breastfeeding. A European consensus conference should urgently be organised, in which strategies for successful promotion of exclusive BF should be particularly considered. There is now strong evidence for a recommendation to breastfeed exclusively for about 6 months, which is more than the duration recommended previously

Breastfeeding · Business · Environmental health · European union · International trade · Birth, Development, and Health · Breastfeeding Practices and Influences · Infant Nutrition and Health · Medicine · Pediatrics

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