Breastfeeding results in positive health and well-being outcomes for society. Evidence to support breastfeeding as a public health strategy has a profound effect on reducing mortality and morbidity in infants and mothers, and the economic case for investing in breastfeeding has been demonstrated (World Health Organisation, Lancet Breastfeeding Series 2016). Despite this evidence, women are not receiving the support they need in society or healthcare systems, and breastfeeding rates in Ireland are among the lowest in Europe.
Thus, the aim of this programme of research is to identify how breastfeeding can be normalised and support maximised in Ireland applying an Integrated Knowledge translation (IKT) design. IKT refers to collaboration between researchers and decision-makers and is a dynamic and iterative process. Participants include expert researchers, knowledge users (HCPs, AHP, Policy makers), PPI knowledge users (LLL/ALCI), and other not-for-profit organisations (CES and CDI). A mixed methods approach drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data will be used.
There are five Work Packages (WP), the first devoted to governance and the fifth to dissemination. WP 2 focuses on promotion and population awareness to develop a proof-of-concept breastfeeding promotion campaign; examine and apply economic models and co-design a sustainability framework for an all-Ireland human milk bank resource. WP 3 concentrates on assessing, mapping and enhancing support in two geographical areas. Knowledge gained from system stakeholder will be adapted to ensure maximum influence, knowledge transfer and sustainability. WP 4 will apply a participatory co-design process to integrate an interprofessional learning model on breastfeeding support for undergraduate healthcare students.
This integrated programme of research will translate evidence to enhance supports at structural, setting and mother/infant dyad level to maximise breastfeeding. Using IKT design will ensure the existing and new integrated knowledge are translated to benefit breastfeeding in Ireland and beyond.
