Breast is best, so why are the BF rates falling across Europe State why BF is best based on research and evidence based articles, publications, organisations research etc; quoted correctly. Then give an update on the rates and factors influencing these rates, again based on facts and correctly quoted data, is formual being marketed better or is seen as more glamourous or risks associated with BF in public?? reasons for declines and evidenced based answers. citations as per simple Harvard style

Title: Determining the Factors Influencing Falling Breastfeeding Rates in Europe

Introduction:
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal method of infant feeding, providing numerous health and developmental benefits for both mother and child. Extensive research and evidence-based articles emphasize the advantages of breastfeeding, ranging from enhanced immunity, reduced risk of infections, and improved cognitive development for infants, to lowered risk of breast and ovarian cancers and better maternal mental health for mothers (World Health Organization [WHO], 2013). Despite such benefits, breastfeeding rates have been declining across Europe in recent years. This paper aims to explore the reasons for this decline by analyzing research, evidence-based articles, publications, and data from reputable organizations.

Benefits of Breastfeeding:
Research consistently supports the notion that breastfeeding is the optimal method of infant feeding. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life, followed by continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods for up to two years or beyond (WHO, 2013). Breast milk is uniquely tailored to meet the nutritional needs of infants, providing essential nutrients, growth factors, hormones, and antibodies that support optimal growth and development (Ballard et al., 2013). Moreover, breastfeeding promotes bonding between mother and child and contributes to the establishment of a secure emotional relationship (Feldman, Rosenthal, & Eidelman, 2014).

Breastfeeding Rates in Europe:
Despite the well-documented benefits of breastfeeding, rates have been decreasing across Europe. According to a comprehensive review by the European Commission (2018), the rates of exclusive breastfeeding at the age of six months varied widely among European countries, ranging from 15% to 45%. Furthermore, a declining trend in breastfeeding initiation and duration was observed in most European countries. For instance, a study conducted by Lutter, Morrow, and Gomes (2011) found that exclusive breastfeeding rates at six months were as low as 7% in certain European countries.

Factors Influencing Declining Breastfeeding Rates:
Several factors contribute to the declining rates of breastfeeding across Europe. It is important to analyze the interplay of these factors to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

1. Socio-cultural Factors:
a. Marketing of Formula: The aggressive marketing of infant formula has been identified as a significant factor influencing breastfeeding rates. Research by Bartick and Reinhold (2010) estimated that improving breastfeeding rates could save up to 721 infant lives and prevent over 10,000 cases of common childhood diseases in the United States alone. Measures prohibiting the promotion of breast-milk substitutes, such as the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (WHO, 1981), are not consistently enforced in Europe, contributing to the successful marketing tactics employed by formula companies. This aggressive promotion has led to a normalization of formula feeding and a decline in exclusive breastfeeding (Rollins et al., 2016).

b. Cultural Attitudes and Norms: The societal perception of breastfeeding plays a crucial role in its decline. Public breastfeeding is still stigmatized in many European countries, leading many mothers to feel uncomfortable and choose to bottle-feed in public to avoid judgment and criticism (Tarrant et al., 2014). Additionally, certain cultural norms and beliefs contribute to the preference for formula feeding over breastfeeding, further influencing the declining rates (Bandeira & Maciel, 2018).

2. Workplace and Healthcare Support:
a. Lack of Family-Friendly Workplace Policies: Insufficient support from workplaces for breastfeeding mothers is another factor reducing breastfeeding rates. Limited maternity leave, inflexible working hours, and lack of designated breastfeeding spaces contribute to the challenges faced by working mothers, making it difficult to continue breastfeeding (Bonet et al., 2017).