Breastfeeding rates in Ireland are among the lowest in the world and annual targets outlined in our breastfeeding action plan (2016-2023) are not being met. In addition, data collection systems do not currently allow us to measure adherence to national recommendations. Since 2003, the Health Service Executive has recommended that babies are exclusively breastfed for 6 months and continue to be breastfed along with complementary foods until they are at least 2. At present, we do not collect any national breastfeeding prevalence data beyond 3 months of life.
The objectives of the proposed study are to leverage the data available, collected both nationally by the Health Service Executive, the Health Information Quality Authority, and the Central Statistics Office, and data collected through a collaboration of an academic researcher and PPI collaborators, to better understand (i) the prevailing low rates of breastfeeding in Ireland, and (ii) how we can collect infant-feeding data in future.
This mixed-methods study design will allow us to quantitatively explore the association between demographic characteristics and healthcare-related variables and breastfeeding outcomes. Qualitative analyses of participant responses to questions on two large surveys will allow us to explore potential explanations for the associations observed statistically. Our qualitative analyses will also help us understand characteristics, practices, and behaviours associated with breastfeeding from the perspective of service users (as opposed to those deemed relevant by investigators or healthcare providers).
Ultimately, our findings will contribute to the aims of the Health Service Executive’s National Breastfeeding Action Plan and will help determine how best to use resources to improve Ireland’s breastfeeding rates, and how we can monitor breastfeeding trends more effectively.