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Research Paper | Nursing | Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2026 | Pages: 474 - 478 | India
Building a Stronger Support System for Breastfeeding: A Multi-Layered Framework for Nursing Practice
Abstract: Breastfeeding remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions for reducing under-five morbidity and mortality, yet global and national exclusive breastfeeding rates continue to fall short of recommended targets. Evidence consistently shows that breastfeeding success is not determined by maternal willpower alone but by the strength of the surrounding support system. This article presents a multi-layered conceptual framework- comprising the mother-infant dyad, family, health system, workplace, and community/policy layers- for understanding and strengthening breastfeeding support, drawing on the World Breastfeeding Week 2026 theme, "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works." The article synthesizes the physiological, psychological, and societal benefits of breastfeeding; identifies eight recurrent systemic barriers to sustained breastfeeding; and outlines four strategic pillars- evidence-based skill integration, patient-centred communication, interprofessional synergy, and policy advocacy- through which nurses can operationalize support at the point of care. National policy initiatives in India, including the Mothers' Absolute Affection (MAA) programme, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), POSHAN Abhiyaan, the RMNCH+A strategy, and the National Guidelines on Infant and Young Child Feeding, are reviewed alongside a regional illustration from Kerala, where near-universal institutional delivery offers a unique opportunity for early breastfeeding support. A practical "5 A's" framework (Assess, Advise, Assist, Appreciate, Arrange follow-up) is proposed for use by nursing students and practising nurses in clinical settings. The article concludes that sustainable improvement in breastfeeding outcomes requires coordinated action across every layer of the support system, with nurses positioned as central advocates and educators within this network.
Keywords: Breastfeeding support, lactation management, nursing education, Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, maternal and child health, India
How to Cite?: Vigy Elizebth Cherian, Nithya K S, "Building a Stronger Support System for Breastfeeding: A Multi-Layered Framework for Nursing Practice", Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 474-478, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26806164257, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26806164257