Factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months postpartum: A systematic review

Abstract Purpose This systematic review aims to identify factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) up to 6 months. Methods The databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, EMBASE, CNKI, and WANFANG were searched to retrieve studies. Quantitative research were extracted and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews were followed. Critical appraisal checklists of Joanna Briggs Institute were used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Findings A total of 16 papers were eligible for this systematic review, comprising five cohort studies and 11 cross‐sectional studies. Moderate to strong evidence supported that 6‐month exclusive breastfeeding is affected by maternal working status, breastfeeding knowledge, delivery mode, parity, perception of insufficient human milk, mothers’ infant feeding attitude, breastfeeding self‐efficacy, and intention. Conclusions Factors influencing EBF up to 6 months postpartum play a key role in promoting mothers’ health and reducing diseases in their infants. Implications for nursing practice Interventions based on related factors should be developed and taken into practice to assist mothers in exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months. Additional studies from different countries in different populations with high quality are needed to provide more reliable and richer findings.