Factors influencing breastfeeding practices in China: A meta‐aggregation of qualitative studies

Abstract

The World Health Organization recommends that women exclusively breastfeed until their babies are 6 months old and continue to breastfeed while introducing complementary foods. A meta-aggregation methodology was used to systematically review and synthesise the qualitative studies on factors influencing breastfeeding practices of healthy Chinese women in Greater China. English and Chinese databases were searched to identify peer-reviewed qualitative studies (published 2008-2019).Relevant data were extracted, and key themes related to factors influencing breastfeeding practices were identified. Of 7587 articles identified, 22 qualitative studies met inclusion criteria for the review, 10 of which were published in Chinese.A total of 87 themes were extracted from all included studies and classified into 9 subcategories: government enactment of policies, implementation of policies in workplaces, social expectations, social support, medical and health services, services with Chinese characteristics, breastfeeding and pumping facilities, maternal perceptions of breastfeeding and self-efficacy to breastfeed. The nine subcategories were then grouped into four categories. Potential effect associations among these influence factors of breastfeeding practices emerged from categories and subcategories. Family members' influence on breastfeeding motivation and self-efficacy suggest a potential benefit of breastfeeding promotion interventions targeting the whole family. The role of primary care should be fully exploited in breastfeeding promotion, including both prenatal education and post-partum visits. Standardising the training and qualifications of maternity matrons (yuesao) and folk breastfeeding specialists (cuirushi) can promote evidence-based approaches to facilitating breastfeeding during the confinement period. Increased availability of breastfeeding and pumping facilities in the workplace would facilitate continuing breastfeeding after returning to work.

Exclusive breastfeeding intention and associated factors in pregnant women: findings from a population-based study

“…Breastfeeding practices are in uenced by various factors including maternal age, education level, family income and so on. A review study of meta-aggregation of qualitative studies showed that maternal perceptions and self-e cacy, family support, social expectations and policy as factors in uencing breastfeeding in China (19). The present study found no signi cant associations between maternal age, mothers' occupation, and parity and planning for exclusive breastfeeding within 6 months postpartum.…”

Content analysis of breast milk substitutes marketing on Chinese e‐commerce platforms

“…In addition, for women, it reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes as well as ovarian and breast cancer (Victora et al, 2016). China has a very low rate of EBF-around 29% in 2019(China Development Research Foundation, 2019) and a median breastfeeding duration is 8.6 months (Wu et al, 2021). By contrast, other middle-income countries like India and Brazil have much higher EBF rates, with 55% (estimated in 2015) and 41% (estimated in 2008), respectively (The World Bank, 2019), and longer breastfeeding duration (Neves et al, 2021).…”

Maternal knowledge, attitudes and practices related to neonatal jaundice and associated factors in Shenzhen, China: a facility-based cross-sectional study

“…Previous studies reported that being cared for by a yuesao during this stage can help improve the health of mothers and babies, 38 39 reduce postpartum depression 40 41 and facilitate breast feeding. 42 Therefore, hiring a yuesao to prepare postpartum foods and help with household and childcare tasks has become increasingly popular in many urban families. However, not everyone can afford their services.…”

“…Chinese tradition dictates that new mothers stay home and rest for a ‘confinement period’ of about 1 month (28−42 days) after giving birth, which is thought to facilitate recovery. Previous studies reported that being cared for by a yuesao during this stage can help improve the health of mothers and babies,38 39 reduce postpartum depression40 41 and facilitate breast feeding 42. Therefore, hiring a yuesao to prepare postpartum foods and help with household and childcare tasks has become increasingly popular in many urban families.…”