Distinguishing Between Lactation Failure and Breastfeeding Cessation: A Scoping Review

Background: Interchangeable terminology and definitions of breastfeeding difficulties may inadvertently influence premature cessation of breastfeeding. Lactation failure is a distinct concept from breastfeeding cessation, and it is vital to differentiate between them, especially in educating health care professionals in communicating and supporting mothers perinatally. Purpose: Comprehensively review varying terminology and definitions, providing a more nuanced understanding of lactation failure versus breastfeeding cessation, and highlighting physiological and social, emotional, mental, and commercial factors that influence breastfeeding outcomes. Method: A scoping review of published literature from medical and scientific databases such as MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science from 2000 to 2023. Results: N = 476 publications were collected during the identification phase; N = 49 from 28 countries around the world met the inclusion criteria and were used in the review. Only N = 13 studies ventured definitions for the terms used. Factors affecting breastfeeding were categorized as physiological leading to lactation failure and distinguished from social, mental, emotional, or commercial factors leading to breastfeeding cessation. Recommendations and Conclusions: Understanding the complexity of the factors underlying lactation failure and breastfeeding cessation can be improved by delineating the terminology and definitions variations used to communicate, provide awareness, education, design and delivery of interventions and support for initiation, and continuation of breastfeeding. Further in-depth research and analysis of the complex issues and factors influencing breastfeeding practices is required.