Breastfeeding has been well-documented to contribute significantly to child survival, health, and development, as well as maternal health and national development. A recent comparative case study analysis titled "Countries' experiences scaling up national breastfeeding, protection, promotion, and support programmes: Comparative case studies analysis" offers invaluable insights for practitioners aiming to improve their skills in supporting breastfeeding initiatives. This blog post distills the key findings and actionable strategies from the research to help you create better outcomes for children.
Understanding the Case Studies
The study examined why and how improvements in breastfeeding practices occurred across four contrasting countries: Burkina Faso, the Philippines, Mexico, and the United States. Each country had unique processes and timing for implementing and scaling up breastfeeding programs, but several common enablers and challenges were identified.
Key Enablers
- Evidence-Based Advocacy: In all four countries, evidence-based advocacy was crucial for fostering political will and mobilizing resources. For example, in Mexico, the Becoming Breastfeeding Friendly (BBF) initiative played a significant role in advocating for policy changes.
- Multisectoral Coordination: Successful programs involved coordinated efforts among various stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, and civil society. The Philippines' "Philippine Coalition of Advocates for Nutrition Security" is a prime example of effective multisectoral coordination.
- Financing: Adequate funding was essential for implementing and sustaining breastfeeding programs. The United States, through the CDC, allocated significant resources for research, monitoring, and program implementation.
- Research and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring and evaluation helped identify areas for improvement and ensured the effectiveness of programs. Burkina Faso's National Nutrition Survey is a good example of effective monitoring.
Common Challenges
- Aggressive Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes: In all four countries, the aggressive marketing of breast-milk substitutes was a significant barrier to breastfeeding. This highlights the need for stronger regulation and enforcement of the WHO Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes.
- Inadequate Maternity Protection: The lack of adequate maternity leave and support was a common challenge. For instance, Burkina Faso and Mexico need to align their maternity leave policies with the International Labour Organization's recommendations.
- Funding Gaps: While external funding from international organizations was beneficial, sustainable local funding remains a challenge. In Burkina Faso, the lack of a specific government budget for breastfeeding poses a risk to the sustainability of current initiatives.
Actionable Strategies for Practitioners
Based on the study's findings, here are some actionable strategies for practitioners looking to improve breastfeeding support programs:
- Leverage Evidence-Based Advocacy: Use data and research to advocate for policy changes and resource allocation. Engaging with stakeholders at all levels can amplify your advocacy efforts.
- Foster Multisectoral Coordination: Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to create a cohesive strategy for breastfeeding support. This approach ensures that efforts are well-coordinated and more impactful.
- Secure Sustainable Funding: Advocate for dedicated government budgets for breastfeeding programs and explore partnerships with international organizations for additional funding.
- Implement Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress and identify areas for improvement. This will help in making data-driven decisions and demonstrating the impact of your programs.
- Strengthen Regulation of Breast-Milk Substitutes: Advocate for stronger enforcement of the WHO Code to curb the aggressive marketing of breast-milk substitutes.
Encouraging Further Research
While the case studies provide valuable insights, there is always room for further research. Practitioners are encouraged to conduct localized studies to understand the unique challenges and opportunities in their specific contexts. This will help in tailoring interventions that are more effective and culturally appropriate.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Countries' experiences scaling up national breastfeeding, protection, promotion, and support programmes: Comparative case studies analysis.
