Interventions to Support Breastfeeding: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Evidence Synthesis

Background:

• Breastfeeding interventions aim to improve initiation, exclusivity, and duration of breastfeeding.
• The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) requires updated evidence for its recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the benefits and harms of breastfeeding support interventions.
• To inform the USPSTF's 2016 recommendation update.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of randomized clinical trials evaluating primary care-relevant breastfeeding support interventions.
• Updated literature searches through June 2024 and surveillance through January 2025.
• Independent data extraction and critical appraisal of 90 included trials (49,597 participants).

Main Results:

• Limited evidence on infant health outcomes and maternal well-being.
• Beneficial associations found for any breastfeeding (RR 1.13) and exclusive breastfeeding (RR 1.46) up to 6 months.
• No significant association with breastfeeding initiation or duration at 12 months.

Conclusions:

• Breastfeeding support interventions are effective in increasing breastfeeding rates up to 6 months.
• Future efforts should prioritize consistent and accessible support for all individuals.
• Evidence synthesis supports public health strategies for promoting breastfeeding.