The costs of suboptimal breastfeeding in Ontario, Canada, and potential healthcare resource impacts from improving rates: a pediatric health system costing analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Human milk from the breast is the healthiest option for infants. Other sources of nutrition pose some risk to child, maternal, and environmental health. There are significant costs to suboptimal rates of breastfeeding for children, families and society. Over 92% of mothers in Ontario, Canada initiate breastfeeding, yet exclusivity and duration rates decline over time. This study estimates potential pediatric healthcare cost savings from increased exclusive breastfeeding.

Methods

We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis to compare healthcare savings from enhanced breastfeeding rates against current practices by estimating pediatric healthcare costs associated with suboptimal breastfeeding and potential savings from improved rates. Savings are calculated from redu

SUBMITTER: Onah NM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11846301 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature