Peer Reviewed Journal
2025, Vol. 8, Issue 1, Part A
Impact of Midwifery counseling on exclusive breastfeeding practices: A community-based study
Ashish Tamang
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life is a cornerstone of optimal infant nutrition and survival, endorsed globally by health authorities including the World Health Organization and UNICEF. However, EBF rates remain suboptimal in many regions due to a combination of sociocultural, informational, and systemic barriers. Midwifery counseling, rooted in trust, continuity of care, and community-based support, has emerged as a vital intervention to improve breastfeeding practices.
Objective: This review explores the impact of midwifery counseling on exclusive breastfeeding practices, with a focus on community-level implementation, global evidence, and culturally responsive approaches.
Methods: The paper synthesizes data from randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews conducted across multiple countries including Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, the UK, and Brazil. It analyzes counseling strategies such as antenatal education, postnatal follow-up, home visits, family involvement, and psychosocial support, highlighting their role in enhancing EBF rates and maternal confidence.
Results: Evidence indicates that midwifery-led counseling significantly improves EBF initiation and continuation rates, reduces breastfeeding complications, and fosters maternal self-efficacy. Context-sensitive counseling also addresses sociocultural myths, emotional challenges, and family dynamics. Programs that combine midwifery counseling with systemic support—such as adequate training, protected time, and policy backing—demonstrate the highest effectiveness.
Conclusion: Midwifery counseling is a cost-effective, scalable, and empathetic strategy to promote exclusive breastfeeding. It empowers mothers, reshapes community norms, and integrates seamlessly into maternal-child health frameworks. For sustainable impact, midwifery counseling must be institutionalized through policy, workforce development, and community engagement.
Pages : 42-48 | 48 Views | 17 Downloads
How to cite this article:
Ashish Tamang. Impact of Midwifery counseling on exclusive breastfeeding practices: A community-based study. Int J Midwifery Nurs Pract 2025;8(1):42-48. DOI: 10.33545/26630427.2025.v8.i1a.187
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