Author: Leslie Morrison Gutman
Author title: Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London 
Description: Breastfeeding is important for the health and wellbeing of both infants and mothers, providing numerous benefits, including enhanced immunity, improved bonding, and long-term physical and emotional well-being (Modak et al., 2023; Allen & Hector, 2005). However, in the UK, the situation regarding breastfeeding presents a paradox. Despite a widespread understanding of its advantages, breastfeeding rates remain among the lowest in the world (UNICEF, 2010). Only 52.7% of mothers breastfeed at six to eight weeks in England (Public Health England, 2024),and just 1% follow the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding at six months postnatal (Byrom et al., 2021). These statistics highlight the urgent need for tailored interventions to support mothers. This article explores how the COM-B model and Behaviour Change Wheel can be utilised to encourage breastfeeding and potentially improve postpartum mental health in the UK. 

---