Family-Centred Breastfeeding Interventions to Improve Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To explore the effects of different family breastfeeding interventions on improving exclusive breastfeeding rates from 0 to 6 months postpartum and to identify the key characteristics of effective interventions.

This systematic review and meta-analysis follows the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool.

Nineteen studies were included in this systematic review. Family-based interventions significantly improved exclusive breastfeeding rates at 6 months postpartum compared with routine care (OR = 2.93, 95% CI [1.90, 4.50], p < 0.001). Interventions underpinned by theoretical frameworks enhanced exclusive breastfeeding within 2 months postpartum compared with non-theoretical ones (OR = 5.50, 95% CI [2.30, 13.19], p < 0.001). Multi-component interventions were more effective than single-method approaches (OR = 2.70, 95% CI [2.04, 3.57], p < 0.001). Programmes spanning both prenatal and postnatal periods achieved higher exclusive breastfeeding rates at 4-6 months than those implemented in a single phase (OR = 4.84, 95% CI [2.50, 9.40], p < 0.001).

Family-based breastfeeding interventions could improve exclusive breastfeeding rates within the first 6 months postpartum. Future breastfeeding interventions should include key family members, consider the guidance of theoretical frameworks on the intervention design, cover both the prenatal and postnatal periods, and use multiple methods to meet the needs of breastfeeding families.

Nurses, midwives, lactation nurses, and public health nurses should actively involve fathers, grandparents, and other key family members in breastfeeding education and support. Family-centred breastfeeding interventions may help improve exclusive breastfeeding outcomes and strengthen family support for breastfeeding.

Not registered.