Title: Strategies to reduce early cessation of breastfeeding.
Background: The marked increase in early cessation of breastfeeding indicates a tendency in Denmark where more women opt-out or give up breastfeeding after a short period. This is problematic since breastfeeding carries many health benefits for both infant and mother. Hence it is relevant to investigate how healthcare services in this area are organized and how they can be strengthened to counter the increasing tendency of early cessation of breastfeeding.
Aim: The purpose of the thesis is to gain insight into the healthcare systems organization of the offers for pregnant women and new mothers regarding breastfeeding, and based on this, providing strategies to counter the increasing tendency of early cessation of breastfeeding.
Method: Based on a case study design, the hermeneutical approach is used to gain insight into and understanding of a leaders, health professionals, and new mothers experiences with the offers regarding breastfeeding in the Municipality of Aarhus. This is done through semi-structured research interviews. A systematic literature study is included to obtain evidence-based knowledge about how the organization of the health care systems offers regarding breastfeeding may promote breastfeeding. “The Integrated Implementation Model” is used as a theoretical reference.
Results and conclusion: The following focus points for suggestions for improvement have been found; strengthening of health literacy, continuing education of health professionals and more time between health professionals and new mothers may contribute to counter the increasing tendency of early cessation of breastfeeding.