Abstract
What is already known on this subject?
Breastfeeding has major long-term effects on the health and development of children as well as women’s health. Combined health systems and community interventions more than double exclusive breastfeeding rates globally. The most cost-effective ways to promote exclusive breastfeeding include counselling and supportive interventions in multiple settings.
What this study adds?
Multi-component educational and supportive interventions increase breastfeeding initiation and duration among mothers in the Arab world. The most successful interventions among Arab women include education as well as pre- and post-partum support. Education and training for health professionals on the importance of breastfeeding can have broad-reaching impact on improving breastfeeding rates.