Facilitators and Barriers to Exclusive Breastfeeding in Thailand: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The six months exclusive breastfeeding rate in Thailand has decreased from 15.1 % in 2009 to 12.3 % in 2013. This narrative review aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to exclusive breastfeeding in Thailand. Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Google Scholar and the Thai Journal Online were searched using the terms exclusive breastfeeding and Thailand between 2001 to the end of September 2016. Inclusion criteria were that articles focused on facilitators and barriers of exclusive breastfeeding, specifically relating to Thailand. Narrative data extraction was conducted and data were analyzed thematically. Five themes were identified: mother factor, family support, situation and social context, infant factor, and healthcare (professionals and service). The themes described for Thailand in this study concur with international findings. Identifying specific practical interventions based on these themes, and in support of exclusive breastfeeding in Thailand, is now a priority.