LAUSR

ObjectivesLow breastfeeding rate and high early cessation of breastfeeding are observed worldwide. There is a need to review the effects of home visits with professional support on promoting breastfeeding. The present study evaluated the efficacy of home visits on promoting breastfeeding outcomes (i.e., breastfeeding initiation rate, exclusive breastfeeding rate/duration, and breastfeeding rate/duration) using a systematic review.MethodsSearch of EMBASE, MEDLINE, CENTRAL—Cochrane central register of controlled trials, PsycInfo, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted by February 28, 2019, to identify relevant studies.ResultsA total of 26 studies were included. Fourteen of the included studies investigated rate/duration of exclusive breastfeeding; ten of them demonstrated a significant increase on the rate/duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Sixteen of the included studies investigated rate/duration of breastfeeding; four of them demonstrated a significant increase on the rate/duration of breastfeeding. Four studies evaluated initiation of breastfeeding and three of them did not show a significant effect.ConclusionsFindings suggest that breastfeeding can be increased by home-based interventions with professional support. Support-based intervention is likely an effective way to promote breastfeeding.