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Why women discontinue exclusive breastfeeding: a scoping review

02 December 2024
Literature Review
02 December 2024
Volume 32 · Issue 12

Abstract

Background/Aims

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding, but global rates remain low. The aim of this review was to provide insight into the reasons behind mothers’ decisions to cease exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months.

Methods

Studies published from 2013 on exclusive breastfeeding cessation were eligible for inclusion in the review. A total of 1910 studies were retrieved in the initial search, with 17 included in the final review.

Results

There were five main themes encompassing 19 factors that contributed to the decision to cease exclusive breastfeeding. These were challenges related to lactation, the infant, the mother's health, social issues and lifestyle. Lactation issues were the most common reason for stopping exclusive breastfeeding, while returning to work was the main lifestyle-related factor.

Conclusions

A clear understanding of why mothers stop exclusive breastfeeding should form the foundation of breastfeeding intervention strategies, as clinical support alone is insufficient for helping mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals.

Implications for practice

Healthcare providers should develop targeted interventions tailored to address reasons for early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding. There is a need for improved lactation support services, including education on proper latch techniques, management of nipple pain and injuries, and strategies to address perceived insufficient milk supply. There is also a need for improved education on breastfeeding techniques, expressing milk and storage options. Healthcare providers should involve family members in breastfeeding education to create a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers.

As a result of the benefits of human milk, breastfeeding is advocated as the healthiest way to feed infants and has become one of the most effective universally promoted health measures for mothers and their infants (North et al, 2022). The World Health Organization (WHO, 2011; 2024) recommends that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months postpartum and thereafter breastfed with complementary foods until 2 years of age or older to achieve optimal health, growth and development.

In children, breastfeeding protects against infections and malocclusion, is associated with increased intelligence quotient points and reduces the risk of being overweight and developing diabetes (Victora et al, 2016). Continuing breastfeeding after 6 months reduces the risk of various infections and helps decrease rates of food intolerance in children (Wray and Garside, 2018). Women who breastfeed have reduced risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, as well as ovarian and breast cancer (Fisk et al, 2011;Victora et al, 2016; Neves et al, 2021).

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Breastfeeding challenges
Exclusive breastfeeding
Exclusive breastfeeding cessation
Mixed feeding
Postpartum support