Finland Details Framework to Extend Breastfeeding Support

Researchers at Finnish maternity and child health clinics and trained breastfeeding peer supporters developed a framework for supporting breastfeeding beyond infancy. The qualitative study involved online focus groups with 22 public health nurses and peer supporters.

They identified two key categories for effective long-term breastfeeding support: individual counseling and structural-level support. Individual counseling should actively promote extended breastfeeding, offer guidance during infancy to facilitate continuation, and adopt a family-centered approach.

Structural support requires a systemic approach within healthcare settings and ensuring professionals have the necessary expertise. The framework details specific counseling content and strategies.

Researchers emphasize that supporting breastfeeding past the typical timeframe requires changes at both the individual professional level and within organizational structures. This work provides a blueprint for enhancing health professional training and improving maternal and child health services.