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Motherhood in Europe: An Examination of Parental Leave Regulations and Breastfeeding Policy Influences on Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration

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  • Karen Vanderlinden

    (Department of Sociology, Health and Demographic Research, Ghent University, 9000 Gent, Belgium)

  • Veerle Buffel

    (Department of Sociology, Centre for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium)

  • Bart Van de Putte

    (Department of Sociology, Health and Demographic Research, Ghent University, 9000 Gent, Belgium)

  • Sarah Van de Velde

    (Department of Sociology, Centre for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium)

Abstract

This study examines how European variation in breastfeeding initiation and duration rates is related to the presence of baby-friendly hospitals, the international code of marketing of breast-milk substitutes, and different constellations of maternal, paternal, and parental leave. We use Eurobarometer data (2005) to compare initiation and duration levels across 21 European countries within a multilevel regression framework. We find that countries play a significant role in determining breastfeeding through their different social policies. Breastfeeding practices across different leave regulation models differ substantially. We conclude that ongoing changes in paid maternity and parental leave length combined with uptake flexibility and paternal involvement help determine breastfeeding rates and should put infant feeding issues on governmental policy agendas across European countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Karen Vanderlinden & Veerle Buffel & Bart Van de Putte & Sarah Van de Velde, 2020. "Motherhood in Europe: An Examination of Parental Leave Regulations and Breastfeeding Policy Influences on Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 9(12), pages 1-22, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:9:y:2020:i:12:p:222-:d:454674
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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