Effect of Antenatal Breastfeeding Counseling on Early Initiation and Exclusive Breastfeeding in India: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Harsh Purohit, Gneyaa Bhatt, Nirmika Patel et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed antenatal breastfeeding counseling and education in India, including randomized, quasi-experimental, comparative, and other intervention studies. Nine studies involving 14,414 participants were included; seven assessed early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and five assessed exclusive breastfeeding for six months (EBF6). Counseling was associated with higher rates of both outcomes: the pooled effect size was 1.509 (1.163-1.958, p = 0.002) for EIBF and 1.494 (1.067-2.093, p = 0.019) for EBF6. Subgroup analyses indicated that one-to-one delivery was most effective, irrespective of provider, timing, or setting.
Key findings
- Antenatal counseling was associated with increased EIBF; pooled effect size 1.509 (1.163-1.958, p = 0.002).
- Counseling was associated with increased EBF6; pooled effect size 1.494 (1.067-2.093, p = 0.019).
- One-to-one counseling was reported as most effective, irrespective of provider, timing, or setting.
Why it matters
Early breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding through six months are important public health goals. This synthesis suggests that antenatal counseling can support both outcomes in India and that individualized delivery may be a useful approach. The findings also highlight the potential value of continuing support beyond pregnancy, while recognizing that the review combines studies with different designs.
What to keep in mind
The review included only nine studies, and the evidence combined randomized trials with quasi-experimental, comparative, and other intervention studies.