Abstract
BackgroundThe objective of this study is to examine the effects of macro-level factors – welfare state policies and public health initiatives – on breastfeeding initiation among eighteen high-income countries.MethodsThis study utilizes fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis methods to examine the combinations of conditions leading to both high and low national breastfeeding initiation rates among eighteen high-income countries.ResultsThe most common pathway leading to high breastfeeding initiation is the combination of conditions including a high percentage of women in parliament, a low national cesarean section rate, and either low family spending, high rates of maternity leave, or high rates of women working part-time. The most common pathway leading to low breastfeeding initiation includes the necessary condition of low national adherence to the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.ConclusionThis research suggests that there is a connection between broad level welfare state polices, public health initiatives, and breastfeeding initiation. Compliance with the WHO/UNICEF initiatives depends on welfare regime policies and overall support for women in both productive and reproductive labor.
Highlights
The objective of this study is to examine the effects of macro-level factors – welfare state policies and public health initiatives – on breastfeeding initiation among eighteen high-income countries
Note that because there are no necessary conditions for high breastfeeding initiation at the national level, there are several very different pathways that lead to membership in the set of countries with high breastfeeding initiation
This research suggests that there is a connection between broad level welfare state polices, public health initiatives, and breastfeeding initiation
Summary
The objective of this study is to examine the effects of macro-level factors – welfare state policies and public health initiatives – on breastfeeding initiation among eighteen high-income countries. Galtry [5] examined the effects of labor market policy and socio-cultural factors on breastfeeding rates in three high-income, OECD countries: Sweden, the United States, and Ireland. Cattaneo et al, [6] examined the current situation of breastfeeding in 29 European Union member-states and affiliates, in advance of the European Union (EU)-funded “Promotion of Breastfeeding in Europe” project. The latter authors found that labor market policies are a key predictor of breastfeeding rates in the EU countries. Cattaneo et al [6] noted that
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