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International Breastfeeding Journal
Published in: International Breastfeeding Journal 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research

The effect of family policies and public health initiatives on breastfeeding initiation among 18 high-income countries: a qualitative comparative analysis research design

Author: Amanda Marie Lubold

Published in: International Breastfeeding Journal | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

The objective of this study is to examine the effects of macro-level factors – welfare state policies and public health initiatives – on breastfeeding initiation among eighteen high-income countries.

Methods

This study utilizes fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis methods to examine the combinations of conditions leading to both high and low national breastfeeding initiation rates among eighteen high-income countries.

Results

The most common pathway leading to high breastfeeding initiation is the combination of conditions including a high percentage of women in parliament, a low national cesarean section rate, and either low family spending, high rates of maternity leave, or high rates of women working part-time. The most common pathway leading to low breastfeeding initiation includes the necessary condition of low national adherence to the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.

Conclusion

This research suggests that there is a connection between broad level welfare state polices, public health initiatives, and breastfeeding initiation. Compliance with the WHO/UNICEF initiatives depends on welfare regime policies and overall support for women in both productive and reproductive labor.
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Metadata
Title
The effect of family policies and public health initiatives on breastfeeding initiation among 18 high-income countries: a qualitative comparative analysis research design
Author
Amanda Marie Lubold
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
International Breastfeeding Journal / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1746-4358
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-017-0122-0

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