Step 10: the breastfeeding support paradox

Citation

Hoddinott P (2016) Step 10: the breastfeeding support paradox. Lancet Global Health, 4 (1), Art. No.: e19. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X%2815%2900220-X

Abstract
First paragraph: In the cluster randomised controlled trial by Marcel Yotebieng and colleagues (August, 2015)1the addition of Step 10 of the UNICEF Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)—that is, the provision of additional support for breastfeeding—did not enhance the effects of steps 1–9, and may even have lessened them. Consistent findings were reported for a trial of Step 10 in Scotland between 2005 and 2007.2In this large cluster-randomised trial, the BIG (Breastfeeding in Groups) trial, 14 primary care organisations were asked either to set up new breastfeeding support groups to cover their geographical area, or to leave their existing group provision for pregnant and postnatal women unchanged. More than 18 000 babies were followed up and there was no significant difference between the two groups in change from baseline in rates of exclusive, or any, breastfeeding 8 weeks after birth.

Notes
Output Type: Letter

Journal
Lancet Global Health: Volume 4, Issue 1

• Hoddinott_Letter_2016.pdf