From science to policy: experience of the Breastfeeding in Ireland Strategic Action Plan

Abstract

Healthcare decisions and policy-related issues are increasingly being made on research-based evidence. However, translating evidence into practice and policy can prove difficult and time consuming, not least because scientists are not always cognisant of the processes involved in polcy-making (Lang, 2005). One area in which there is considerable evidence for benefits to health, society and the economy is breast-feeding. Yet, translating this evidence into practice and policy and in turn improving breastfeeding rates can prove difficult. Such was the case in the Republic of Ireland where, although the first national breast-feeding policy (Department of Health, 1994) led to numerous developments in breastfeeding protection, promotion and support within Ireland, the brastfeeding rate continued to be one of the lowest in Europe.