Cultural beliefs and practices about women's breastfeeding behaviors: a Scoping Review

UNICEF. Semana Mundial de la Lactancia Materna. Noticias [serial on line] Aug 2021 [cited 2024 Dec 1]. Available from: https://www.unicef.es/noticia/semana-mundial-de-la-lactancia-materna

World Health Organization. World Breastfeeding Week 2020 Message. Newsroom. [serial on line] 2020 Jul [cited 2024 Dec 1] Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/31-07-2020-world-breastfeeding-week-2020-message

World Health Organization. Infant and young child feeding. Newsroom. [serial on line] 2023 Dic [cited 2024 25 Oct] Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding

World Health Organization. Global nutrition targets 2025: breastfeeding policy brief. World Health Organization [serial on line] 2014 [cited 2024 Oct 2]. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/149022

Muro-Valdez JC, Meza-Rios A, Aguilar-Uscanga BR, Lopez-Roa RI, Medina-Díaz E, Franco-Torres EM, Zepeda-Morales ASM. Breastfeeding-Related Health Benefits in Children and Mothers: Vital Organs Perspective. Medicina. 2023 [cited 2025 March 22];59 (9):1535. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/medicina59091535

Froń A, Orczyk-Pawiłowicz M. Breastfeeding Beyond Six Months: Evidence of Child Health Benefits. Nutrients. 2024 [cited 2025 March 22];16(22):3891. doi: 10.3390/nu16223891.

Pattison KL, Kraschnewski JL, Lehman E, Savage JS, Downs DS, Leonard KS, Adams EL, Paul IM, Kjerulff KH. Breastfeeding initiation and duration and child health outcomes in the first baby study. Prev Med. 2019 [cited 2025 March 22];118:1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2018.09.020. Epub 2018 Oct 1. PMID: 30287329; PMCID: PMC6322935.

Bar S, Milanaik R, Adesman A. Long-term neurodevelopmental benefits of breastfeeding. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2016 [cited 2024 Dec 1];28(4):559-566. doi:10.1097/mop.0000000000000389

Masi AC, Stewart CJ. Role of breastfeeding in disease prevention. Microb Biotechnol. 2024 [cited 2025 March 22];17(7):e14520. doi: 10.1111/1751-7915.14520. PMID: 38946112; PMCID: PMC11214977.

Yasmeen T, Kumar S, Sinha S, Haque MA, Singh V, Sinha S. Benefits of breastfeeding for early growth and long term Obesity: a summarized review. International Journal of Medical Science and Diagnosis Research (IJMSDR). 2029 [cited 2025 March 22];3(1):190-194. Available Online at www.ijmsdr.com

Chowdhury R, Sinha B, Sankar MJ, Taneja S, Bhandari N, Rollins N, Bahl R, Martines J. Breastfeeding and maternal health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Paediatrica. 2015 [cited 2024 Dec 1];104:96-113. doi:10.1111/apa.13102

Del Ciampo LA, Del Ciampo IRL. Breastfeeding and the Benefits of Lactation for Women's Health. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2018 Jun;40(6):354-359. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1657766. Epub 2018 Jul 6. PMID: 29980160; PMCID: PMC10798271.

Modak A, Ronghe V, Gomase KP. The Psychological Benefits of Breastfeeding: Fostering Maternal Well-Being and Child Development. Cureus. 2023 Oct 9;15(10):e46730. doi: 10.7759/cureus.46730. PMID: 38021634; PMCID: PMC10631302.

Channell Doig A, Jasczynski M, Fleishman JL, Aparicio EM. Breastfeeding Among Mothers Who Have Experienced Childhood Maltreatment: A Review. J Hum Lact. 2020 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 36(4):710-722. doi:10.1177/0890334420950257

Strathearn L, Mamun AA, Najman JM, O'Callaghan MJ. Does Breastfeeding Protect Against Substantiated Child Abuse and Neglect? A 15-Year Cohort Study. Pediatrics. 2009 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 123(2):483-493. doi:10.1542/peds.2007-3546

Victora CG, Bahl R, Barros AJ, França G, Horton S, Krasevec J, Murch S, Sankar MJ, Walker N, Rollins NC, Lancet Breastfeeding Series Group. Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. Lancet. 2016 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 387(10017):475-490. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(15)01024-7

Quesada JA, Méndez I, Martín-Gil R. The economic benefits of increasing breastfeeding rates in Spain. Int Breastfeed J 2020 [cited 2025 March 22];15 (34). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-020-00277-w

Lechosa-Muñiz C, Paz-Zulueta M, Herrero MSA, Rio ECD, Sota SM, Llorca J, Cabero-Perez MJ. Health Care Costs Associated to Type of Feeding in the First Year of Life. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 [cited 2025 March 22];17(13):4719. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17134719. PMID: 32630048; PMCID: PMC7369965.

Pérez-Escamilla R, Tomori C, Hernández-Cordero S, Baker P, Barros AJD, Bégin F, Chapman DJ, Grummer-Strawn LM, McCoy D, Menon P, Ribeiro Neves PA, Piwoz E, Rollins N, Victora CG, Richter, 2023 Lancet Breastfeeding Series Group. Breastfeeding: crucially important, but increasingly challenged in a market-driven world. Lancet. 2023 [cited 2025 March 22];401(10375):472-485. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01932-8

de Diego-Cordero R, Rivilla-Garcia E, Diaz-Jimenez D, Lucchetti G, Badanta B. The role of cultural beliefs on eating patterns and food practices among pregnant women: a systematic review. Nutr Rev. 2021 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 79(9):945-963. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuaa119

Vaz JS, Maia MFS, Neves PAR, Santos TM, Vidaletti LP, Victora C. Monitoring breastfeeding indicators in high-income countries: Levels, trends and challenges. Matern Child Nutr. 2021 [cited 2025 March 22];17(3):e13137. doi: 10.1111/mcn.13137. Epub 2021 Jan 6. PMID: 33405389; PMCID: PMC8189208.

Radzyminski S, Callister LC. Mother’s Beliefs, Attitudes, and Decision Making Related to Infant Feeding Choices. J Perinat Educ. 2016 [cited 2024 Dec 1];25(1):18-28. doi:10.1891/1058-1243.25.1.18

Gallegos D, Parkinson J, Duane S, Domegan C, Jansen E, Russell-Bennett R. Understanding breastfeeding behaviours: a cross-sectional analysis of associated factors in Ireland, the United Kingdom and Australia. Int Breastfeed J. 2020 [cited 2024 Dec 1];15(1). doi:10.1186/s13006-020-00344-2

Litwan K, Tran V, Nyhan K, Pérez-Escamilla R. How do breastfeeding workplace interventions work?: a realist review. Int J Equity Health. 2021 [cited 2024 Dec 1];20(1). doi:10.1186/s12939-021-01490-7

Frenoy P, Vandentorren S, Arnaud A, Vuillermoz C, Berrocal R, Martin-Fernandez J, Azria E, de Lauzon-Guillain B, Bernard JY, Lioret S. Demographic, socioeconomic, and sociocultural factors associated with any breastfeeding in homeless mothers. Matern Amp Child Nutr. 2021[cited 2024 Dec 1];;17(3). doi:10.1111/mcn.13167

Tavares Carvalho A, Medeiros Paungartner L, de Quadros A, Fernandes MC, Pereira Ferreira Dellanhese A. Fatores socioculturais, mitos e crenças de nutrizes potenciais causadores do desmame precoce: uma revisão integrativa. Saude Coletiva (Barueri). 2020 [cited 2024 Dec 1];10(56):3152-3163. doi:10.36489/saudecoletiva.2020v10i56p3152-3163

Sharma IK, Byrne A. Early initiation of breastfeeding: a systematic literature review of factors and barriers in South Asia. Int Breastfeed J. 2016 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 11(1). doi:10.1186/s13006-016-0076-7

Grubesic TH, Durbin KM. Geodemographies of Breastfeeding Support. J Hum Lact. 2021 [cited 2024 Dec 1];37(2):301-313. doi:10.1177/0890334420941416

World Health Organization and UNICEF. Global strategy for infant and young child feeding. World Health Organization & United Nations Children's Fund (‎‎UNICEF) [serial on line] Dec 2003 [cited 2024 13 May]. Available from: URL: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241562218

Gorman JR, Madlensky L, Jackson DJ, Ganiats TG, Boies E. Early Postpartum Breastfeeding and Acculturation among Hispanic Women. Birth. 2007 [cited 2024 Dec 1];34(4):308-315. doi:10.1111/j.1523-536x.2007.00189.x

Comité de Lactancia Materna de la Asociación Española de Pediatría. ¿Qué es el Código de Comercialización de Sucedáneos de Leche Materna? Asociación Española de Pediatría [serial on line] 2016 [cited 2024 15 May]. Available from: http://www.aeped.es/sites/default/files/documentos/201601-codigo-comercializacion-lm.pdf

World Health Organization. Laws to protect breastfeeding inadequate in most countries. Newsroom. May 2016 [cited 2 Jun 2024]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/09-05-2016-laws-to-protect-breastfeeding-inadequate-in-most-countries

World Health Organization. Código Internacional de Comercialización de Sucedáneos de la Leche Materna: Preguntas frecuentes (actualización de 2017) Organización Mundial de la Salud. 2017 [cited 2024 May 13]. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/255194/WHO-NMH-NHD-17.1-spa.pdf;jsessionid=0F43D6FBE804AAB4906BB5FF74E2B658?sequence=1

World Health Organization. WHO/UNICEF statement on the 40th anniversary of the international code of marketing breastmilk substitutes. Newsroom. May 2021 [cited 2024 Jun 4]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/21-05-2021-WHO-UNICEF-statement-on-the-40th-anniversary-of-the-international-code-of-marketing-breastmilk-substitutes

Tricco AC, Lillie E, Zarin W, O’Brien KK, Colquhoun H, Levac D, Moher D, Peters MDJ, Horsley T, Weeks L, Hempel S, Akl EA, Chang C, McGowan J, Stewart L, Hartling L, Aldcroft A, Wilson MG, Garritty C, Lewin S, Godfrey CM, Macdonald MT, Langlois EV, Soares-Weiser K, Moriarty J, Clifford T, Tunçalp Ö, Straus SE. PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation, Ann. Intern. Med. 2018 [cited 2024 Dec 1];169 (7) (2018) 467–473, https://doi.org/10.7326/m18-0850

Von ELM E, Altman DG, Egger M, Pocock SJ, Gøtzsche PC, Vandenbroucke JP. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement: Guidelines for Reporting Observational Studies. Ann Intern Med. 2007 [cited 2024 Dec 1];147(8):573. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-147-8-200710160-00010

O’Brien BCO, Harris IB, Beckman TJ, MD; Reed DA, Cook DA. Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research: A Synthesis of Recommendations. Academic Medicine 2014 [cited 2024 Dec 1];89(9):1245-1251. doi: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000000388

Acheampong AK, Naab F, Kwashie A. The Voices That Influence HIV-Positive Mothers’ Breastfeeding Practices in an Urban, Ghanaian Society. J Hum Lact. 2018 [cited 2024 Dec 1];34(1):176-183. doi:10.1177/0890334417740345

Adda L, Opoku-Mensah K, Dako-Gyeke P. “Once the child is delivered, he is no more your baby,” Exclusive Breastfeeding experiences of first-time mothers in Kassena-Nankana Municipality, Ghana - a qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2020 [cited 2024 Dec 1];20(1). doi:10.1186/s12884-020-03272-5

Amaral LJ, Sales SD, Carvalho DP, Cruz GK, Azevedo IC, Ferreira Júnior MA. Factors that influence the interruption of exclusive breastfeeding in nursing mothers. Rev Gauch Enferm. 2015 [cited 2024 Dec 1];36(spe):127-134. doi: 10.1590/1983-1447.2015.esp.56676

Chakona G. Social circumstances and cultural beliefs influence maternal nutrition, breastfeeding and child feeding practices in South Africa. Nutr J. 2020 [cited 2024 Dec 1];19(1). doi:10.1186/s12937-020-00566-4

Dietrich Leurer M, Petrucka P, Msafiri M. Maternal perceptions of breastfeeding and infant nutrition among a select group of Maasai women. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2019 [cited 2024 Dec 1];19(8). doi:10.1186/s12884-018-2165-7

Hinson TD, Skinner AC, Lich KH, Spatz DL. Factors That Influence Breastfeeding Initiation Among African American Women. J Obstet Gynecol Amp Neonatal Nurs. 2018 [cited 2024 Dec 1];47(3):290-300. doi:10.1016/j.jogn.2018.02.007

Horwood C, Surie A, Haskins L, Luthuli S, Hinton R, Chowdhury A, Rollins N. Attitudes and perceptions about breastfeeding among female and male informal workers in India and South Africa. BMC Public Health. 2020 [cited 2024 Dec 1];20(1). doi:10.1186/s12889-020-09013-9

Kim JH, Fiese BH, Donovan SM. Breastfeeding is Natural but Not the Cultural Norm: A Mixed-Methods Study of First-Time Breastfeeding, African American Mothers Participating in WIC. J Nutr Educ Behav. 2017 [cited 2024 Dec 1];49(7):S151—S161.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2017.04.003

Ruhmayanti NA, Yasin YK. Differences in Social and Cultural Perception between Mothers of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Non-Exclusive Breastfeeding in the Health Center of Kota Utara, Gorontalo, Indonesia. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. 2020 [cited 2024 Dec 1];66(Supplement): S432—S435. doi:10.3177/jnsv.66.s432

Zhao Y, Ouyang YQ, Redding SR. Chinese women’s experiences, emotions and expectations of breast-feeding in public: a qualitative study. Public Health Nutr. 2018 [cited 2024 Dec 1];21(8):1565-1572. doi:10.1017/s1368980017003937

Atyeo NN, Frank TD, Vail EF, Sperduto WA, Boyd DL. Early Initiation of Breastfeeding Among Maya Mothers in the Western Highlands of Guatemala: Practices and Beliefs. J Hum Lact. 2017 [cited 2024 Dec 1];33(4):781-789. doi:10.1177/0890334416682729

Zakar R, Zakar MZ, Zaheer L, Fischer F. Exploring parental perceptions and knowledge regarding breastfeeding practices in Rajanpur, Punjab Province, Pakistan. Int Breastfeed J. 2018 [cited 2024 Dec 1];13(1). doi:10.1186/s13006-018-0171-z

Yalçin SS, Erat Nergiz M, Elci ÖC, Zikusooka M, Yalçin S, Sucakli MB, Keklik K. Breastfeeding practices among Syrian refugees in Turkey. Int Breastfeed J. 2022;17(1):1-15. doi:10.1186/s13006-022-00450-3

Christoffel MM, Gomes AL, Julio CL, de Barros JF, Rodrigues EdC, Garcia Bezerra Góes F, Linares AM. Exclusive breastfeeding and professionals from the family health strategy. Rev Bras Enferm. 2021 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 75(3). doi:10.1590/0034-7167-2020-0545

Idris FP, Palutturi S. The Relationship between Mother's Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs to Exclusive Breastfeeding in Jeneponto District. Int. J. Innov. Creativity Chang. 2019 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 8(5),47-62.

Nuño Martínez N, Wallenborn J, Mäusezahl D, Hartinger SM, Muela Ribera J. Socio-cultural factors for breastfeeding cessation and their relationship with child diarrhoea in the rural high-altitude Peruvian Andes-a qualitative study. Int J Equity Health. 2021 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 20(1). doi:10.1186/s12939-021-01505-3

Budiati T, Setyowati. The influence culture and maternal care on exclusive breastfeeding practice in post caesarean section mothers. Enfermería Clin. 2019 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 29:808-814. doi: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2019.04.121

Mgongo M, Hussein TH, Stray-Pedersen B, Vangen S, Msuya SE, Wandel M. Facilitators and Barriers to Breastfeeding and Exclusive Breastfeeding in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania: A Qualitative Study. Int J Pediatr. 2019 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 1-7. doi:10.1155/2019/8651010

Talbert A, Jones C, Mataza C, Berkley JA, Mwangome M. Exclusive breastfeeding in first-time mothers in rural Kenya: a longitudinal observational study of feeding patterns in the first six months of life. Int Breastfeed J. 2020 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 15(1). doi:10.1186/s13006-020-00260-5

Khan MM, Kabir MR. Prevalence and Associated Factors of Early Cessation of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice in Noakhali, Bangladesh: A Mixed-Method Study. J Pediatr Nurs. 2021 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 58:e44-e53. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2020.12.017

Debnath F, Mondal N, Deb AK, Chakraborty D, Chakraborty S, Dutta S. Determinants of optimum exclusive breastfeeding duration in rural India: a mixed method approach using cohort and content analysis design. Int Breastfeed J. 2021 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 16(1). doi:10.1186/s13006-021-00359-3

Anazonwu NP, Nnama-Okechukwu CU, ObasI-Igwe I. Attitude to and cultural determinants of exclusive breastfeeding among childbearing mothers in Nsukka urban area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Afr Popul Stud. 2018 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 32(2). doi:10.11564/32-2-1187

Hernández-Cordero S, Lozada-Tequeanes AL, Fernández-Gaxiola AC, Shamah-Levy T, Sachse M, Veliz, Cosío-Barroso I. Barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding during the immediate and one month postpartum periods, among Mexican women: a mixed methods approach. Int Breastfeed J. 2020 [cited 2024 Dec 1];15(1). doi:10.1186/s13006-020-00327-3

Amaral L, Oliveira RM, Camargo CL, Aguiar ACSA, Santos DVD, Whitaker MCO, de Souza JMM. Practice of breastfeeding in quilombola communities in the light of transcultural theory. Rev Bras Enferm. 2020 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 73(4):e20190191. doi:10.1590/0034-7167-2019-0191

Ahmed F, Malik NI, Shahzad M, Ahmad M, Shahid M, Feng X, Guo J. Determinants of Infant Young Child Feeding Among Mothers of Malnourished Children in South Punjab, Pakistan: A Qualitative Study. Front Public Health. 2022 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 10. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2022.834089

Pemo K, Phillips D, Hutchinson AM. An Exploration of Breastfeeding Practices by Bhutanese Women. J Hum Lact. 2019 [cited 2024 Dec 1];35(1):181-191. doi:10.1177/0890334418801289

García-Magdaleno VG, Laureano-Eugenio J. Representaciones sociales frente a la lactancia materna en mujeres rurales y urbanas de Jalisco, México: estudio cualitativo. Rev Colomb Obstet Ginecol. 2019 [cited 2024 Dec 1];70(2):83-93. doi:10.18597/rcog.3303

Kamoun C, Spatz D. Influence of Islamic Traditions on Breastfeeding Beliefs and Practices Among African American Muslims in West Philadelphia: A Mixed-Methods Study. J Hum Lact. 2018 [cited 2024 Dec 1];34(1):164-175. doi:10.1177/0890334417705856

Tsegaye M, Ajema D, Shiferaw S, Yirgu R. Level of exclusive breastfeeding practice in remote and pastoralist community, Aysaita woreda, Afar, Ethiopia. Int Breastfeed J. 2019 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 14(1). doi:10.1186/s13006-019-0200-6

Murad A, Renfrew MJ, Symon A, Whitford H. Understanding factors affecting breastfeeding practices in one city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: an interpretative phenomenological study. Int Breastfeed J. 2021 [cited 2024 Dec 1];16(1). doi:10.1186/s13006-020-00350-4

Acheampong AK, Ganga-Limando M, Aziato L. Perceived enablers of exclusive breastfeeding by teenage mothers in Ghana. South Afr Fam Pract. 2020 [cited 2024 Dec 1];62(1). doi:10.4102/safp.v62i1.5108

Hauck YL, Kuliukas L, Gallagher L, Brady V, Dykes C, Rubertsson C. Helpful and challenging aspects of breastfeeding in public for women living in Australia, Ireland and Sweden: a cross-sectional study. Int Breastfeed J. 2020 [cited 2024 Dec 1];15(1):38. doi:10.1186/s13006-020-00281-0

Maviso MK, Ferguson B, Kaforau LM, Capper T. A qualitative descriptive inquiry into factors influencing early weaning and breastfeeding duration among first-time mothers in Papua New Guinea’s rural eastern highlands. Women Birth. 2021 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 35(1). doi: 10.1016/j.wombi.2021.01.006

Reno R. Using group model building to develop a culturally grounded model of breastfeeding for low-income African American women in the USA. J Clin Nurs. 2018 [cited 2024 Dec 1];27(17-18):3363-3376. doi:10.1111/jocn.13791

Ratnayake HE, Rowel D. Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and barriers for its continuation up to six months in Kandy district, Sri Lanka. Int Breastfeed J. 2018 [cited 2024 Dec 1];13(1). doi:10.1186/s13006-018-0180-y

Newman KL, Williamson IR. Why aren't you stopping now?!’ Exploring accounts of white women breastfeeding beyond six months in the East of England. Appetite. 2018 [cited 2024 Dec 1]; 129:228-235. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2018.06.018

Guo H, Zhou R, LI M, Zhang S, YI H, Wang L, Li T, Zhang C, Lu H. The use of Kumpfer’s resilience framework in understanding the breastfeeding experience of employed mothers after returning to work: a qualitative study in China. Int Breastfeed J. 2022 [cited 2024 Dec 1];17(1). doi:10.1186/s13006-022-00459-8

Amir LH. Breastfeeding in public: “You can do it?”. Int Breastfeed J. 2014 [cited 2024 Dec 1];9(1). doi:10.1186/s13006-014-0026-1

Fouts HN, Hewlett BS, Lamb ME. A Biocultural Approach to Breastfeeding Interactions in Central Africa. Am Anthropol. 2012 [cited 2024 Dec 1];114(1):123-136. doi:10.1111/j.1548-1433.2011.01401.x

Wanjohi M, Griffiths P, Wekesah F, Muriuki P, Muhia N, Musoke R, Fouts HN, Madise NJ, Kimani-Murage EW. Sociocultural factors influencing breastfeeding practices in two slums in Nairobi, Kenya. Int Breastfeed J. 2016 [cited 2024 Dec 1];12(1). doi:10.1186/s13006-016-0092-7

Alahmed S, Meedya S, Mutair AA, Fernández R. Saudi Women’s Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Transcult Nurs. 2022 [cited 2024 Dec 1];34(1):68-82. doi:10.1177/10436596221129228

Camacho-Morales A, Caba M, García-Juárez M, Caba-Flores MD, Viveros-Contreras R, Martínez-Valenzuela C. Breastfeeding Contributes to Physiological Immune Programming in the Newborn. Front Pediatr. 2021 [cited 2024 Dec 1];9. doi:10.3389/fped.2021.744104

Ho NT, Li F, Lee-Sarwar KA, Tun H, Brown B, Pannaraj P, Bender JM, Azad MB, Thompson AL, Weiss ST, Azcarate-Peril MA, Litonjua AA, Kozyrskyj AL, Jaspan HB, Aldrovandi GM, Kuhn L. Meta-analysis of effects of exclusive breastfeeding on infant gut microbiota across populations. Nat Commun. 2018 [cited 2025 March 22]; 9(1). doi:10.1038/s41467-018-06473-x

Balogun OO, O'Sullivan EJ, McFadden A, Ota E, Gavine A, Garner C, Renfrew MJ, MacGillivray S. Interventions for promoting the initiation of breastfeeding. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 [cited 2025 March 22];11(11):CD001688. doi: 10.1002/14651858.cd001688.pub3

Bengough T, Dawson S, Cheng H, McFadden A, Gavine A, Rees R, Sacks E, Hannes K. Factors that influence women's engagement with breastfeeding support: A qualitative evidence synthesis. Matern Amp Child Nutr. 2022 [cited 2025 March 22]; 18(4):e13405. doi:10.1111/mcn.13405

Abugov H, Ochoa Marín SC, Semenic S, Arroyave IC. Barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding support practices in a neonatal intensive care unit in Colombia. Invest Educ Enferm. 2021 [cited 2025 March 22];39(1):e11. doi: https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.iee.v39n1e11

Farhadi R. Spiritual Aspects of Breastfeeding: A Narrative Review. J Pediatr Rev. 2020 [cited 2025 March 22]; 8(4):229-236. doi:10.32598/jpr.8.4.47.3

Osman H, El Zein L, Wick L. Cultural beliefs that may discourage breastfeeding among Lebanese women: a qualitative analysis. Int Breastfeed J. 2009 [cited 2025 March 22]; 4(12). doi:10.1186/1746-4358-4-12

Adepoju OT, Adesemoye ET, Akinyele IO. Role of Religion on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Lactating Mothers on Infant Feeding. Int J Nutr. 2019 [cited 2025 March 22]; 4(2):14-25. doi: 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2876

O’Sullivan EJ, O’Grady A, Pawlak K, Kearney JM. A Qualitative Exploration of the Attitudes and Experiences of Polish Breastfeeding Mothers in Ireland. J Hum Lact. 2020 [cited 2025 March 22]: 089033442095902. doi:10.1177/0890334420959028

Radzyminski S, Callister LC. Health Professionals’ Attitudes and Beliefs About Breastfeeding. J Perinat Educ. 2015 [cited 2025 March 22];24(2):102-109. doi:10.1891/1058-1243.24.2.102

Zaikman Y, Houlihan AE. It’s just a breast: an examination of the effects of sexualization, sexism, and breastfeeding familiarity on evaluations of public breastfeeding. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2022 [cited 2025 March 22]; 22(1). doi:10.1186/s12884-022-04436-1

Kaihlanen AM, Hietapakka L, Heponiemi T. Increasing cultural awareness: qualitative study of nurses’ perceptions about cultural competence training. BMC Nurs. 2019 [cited 2025 March 22]; 18(1). doi:10.1186/s12912-019-0363-x

Swihart DL, Yarrarapu SNS, Martin RL. Competencia cultural religiosa en la práctica clínica. StatPearls. En: StatPearls [Internet]. Isla del Tesoro (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 [cited 2025 March 22]. PMID: 29630268. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493216/