Background

Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, particularly breastfeeding, are critical for child health and development. Despite global recommendations, breastfeeding rates vary significantly across different regions and healthcare settings. This project aims to explore the policies and practices surrounding IYCF at both hospital and national levels, with a specific focus on breastfeeding. Additionally, the project will investigate the environmental impact of breastfeeding and its potential to reduce carbon and water offsets, while a sub-study will examine the marketing policies and practices of formula milk and their impact on breastfeeding rates. The project will also consider the experiences and perspectives of mothers, recognizing their crucial role in successful breastfeeding practices.

Potential projects:

1. Systematic Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature on IYCF policies and practices, breastfeeding rates, formula milk marketing, health systems, health financing, and environmental impacts.
2. Policy Analysis: Evaluate hospital and national policies on breastfeeding using frameworks such as the WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) and national breastfeeding scorecards.
3. Qualitative Research: Conduct interviews and focus groups with healthcare providers, policymakers, mothers and families to understand the barriers and facilitators of breastfeeding in hospitals and at the national level.
4. Environmental Impact Assessment: Compare the carbon footprint of breastfeeding versus formula feeding in specific settings (e.g. hospital, HIC vs LMIC, etc) using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies.
5. Formula Marketing Policy Analysis: Assess the regulatory environment and marketing practices of formula milk companies, including compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.
6. Health Systems and Financing Analysis: Investigate how health systems and financing mechanisms support or hinder breastfeeding practices, including the availability of resources, staffing, and financial incentives.
7. Mother-Centric Analysis: Explore the experiences, challenges, and needs of breastfeeding mothers in different settings (e.g. hospital, workplace, etc), and how policies and practices can be tailored to better support them.
8. WBTi Analysis: Utilize the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi) tool to measure and compare the strengths and weaknesses of breastfeeding policies and programs across different countries. This will enable a comparative analysis of global breastfeeding trends to identify best practices and areas needing improvement.

Significance:

This research will provide valuable insights into how breastfeeding can be better supported through policy and practice at multiple levels. By highlighting the environmental benefits of breastfeeding and examining the impact of formula milk marketing, the project aims to position breastfeeding as not only a public health priority but also a key strategy for environmental sustainability. The inclusion of WBTi data, an analysis of health systems and financing, and a focus on mothers' experiences will enable a comprehensive global perspective on breastfeeding trends and policies.