Breastfeeding Surveillance/Indicators

This session will focus on Canadian breastfeeding surveillance and indicators used to measure breastfeeding outcomes. These are important topics that warrant attention to build research capacity in the field of breastfeeding and human lactation. Ongoing national and provincial breastfeeding monitoring can be enhanced to provide comprehensive information regarding breastfeeding rates in Canada. Additionally, having harmonized breastfeeding outcome data across Canada will assist us in evaluating large scale intervention to support Canadian families and to compare our rates internationally.

Heterogeneity in breastfeeding indicators causes confusion and decreases our ability to compare study findings or conduct meta-analyses of effective breastfeeding interventions. Additionally, the most commonly used indicators may not capture outcomes of importance to infant and maternal health as well as parents’ infant feeding experiences.

This session will consist of three presentations followed by a discussion of breastfeeding indicators. We want to hear your ideas and about what indicators we should be using…