Breastfeeding Rates and Programs in Europe

Abstract

Introduction: Among the world's regions, the WHO European Region has the lowest rates of exclusive breastfeeding at the age of 6 months with approximately 25%. Low rates and early cessation of breastfeeding have important adverse health consequences for women, infants, and young children. Protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding are a public health priority. Objectives: National breastfeeding data and monitoring systems among selected European countries and the WHO European Region are compared. Mechanisms for the support, protection, and promotion of breastfeeding are reviewed and successes and challenges in implementation of national programs are presented. Methods: National representatives of national breastfeeding committees and initiatives in 11 European countries, including Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, participated in a standardized survey. Results are evaluated and compared in a narrative review. Results: Variation exists in Europe on breastfeeding rates; methodology for data collection; and mechanisms for support, protection, and promotion of breastfeeding. Directly after birth, between 56% and 98% of infants in all countries were reported to receive any human milk, and at 6 months 38% to 71% and 13% to 39% of infants to be breastfed or exclusively breastfed, respectively. National plans addressing breastfeeding promotion, protection, and support exist in 6 of the 11 countries. Conclusions: National governments should commit to evidence-based breastfeeding monitoring and promotion activities, including financial and political support, to improve breastfeeding rates in the Europe. Renewed efforts for collaboration between countries in Europe, including a sustainable platform for information exchange, are needed.

Fermentation of Chicory Fructo‐Oligosaccharides and Native Inulin by Infant Fecal Microbiota Attenuates Pro‐Inflammatory Responses in Immature Dendritic Cells in an Infant‐Age‐Dependent and Fructan‐Specific Way

“…[4,5] In Europe only approximately 25% of the infants receive exclusive breastfeeding up to an age of six months. [6] There is infant formula available for infants for which breast milk is not an option. These formula are supplemented with nondigestible carbohydrates (NDCs) such as galacto-oligosaccharides and inulin to mimic the health effects offered by HMOs.…”

The effect of a breastfeeding support programme on breastfeeding duration and exclusivity: a quasi-experiment

“…In the past decades, national campaigns, emphasising the health benefits of breastfeeding, have been developed to extend the duration of breastfeeding [13]. As part of these campaigns, virtually all hospitals and maternity organisations in the Netherlands have received Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) certification [14], as developed by WHO in 1991 [15]. With regard to breastfeeding recommendations, Dutch guidelines initially followed the WHO guidelines, advising to breastfeed exclusively for at least six months.…”

Weaning Traditional Practices Among Mothers Coming to Primary Health Care Center in Turkey

“…According to UNICEF Scottish Maternal and Infant Nutrition Survey 2017, the first 6 months of breastfeeding were reported as 43% in Scotland, while Norway (71%), Sweden (61%), and Germany (57%) were listed as other countries with the highest rates (15,16). In our study, the first 6 months of breastfeeding (88.79%) were found globally similar to those of sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin American countries.…”