<![CDATA[Breastfeeding is one of the most effective interventions to promote infant health and reduce neonatal and child mortality worldwide. Despite global recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, initiation rates remain suboptimal in many countries. Healthcare provider support has been identified as a critical determinant of breastfeeding initiation. This literature review aims to synthesize evidence on the types, forms, and effectiveness of healthcare provider support in influencing breastfeeding initiation. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2024 was conducted using databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies were included if they examined any form of healthcare provider support (lactation counseling, education, peer support, skin-to-skin facilitation, and rooming-in policies) and measured breastfeeding initiation as an outcome. A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings consistently indicated that proactive lactation counseling, prenatal breastfeeding education, and immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth significantly increased breastfeeding initiation rates. Nurse- and midwife-led interventions demonstrated particularly strong associations with positive initiation outcomes. System-level supports such as Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) practices were also found to be highly effective. This review concludes that multifaceted, coordinated healthcare provider support, combining education, skilled assistance, and institutional policies, is essential to improving breastfeeding initiation globally. Implications for nursing practice and health policy are discussed.]]>
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