Mapping Publication Status and Exploring Hotspots in a Research Field: Breastfeeding

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding has been the subject of scientific studies for many years. Identifying the current trends and hotspots in breastfeeding research can further advance understanding in the field. Research Aim: This study aimed to review the basic and conceptual structure of the literature on breastfeeding from a macro perspective. Methods: The dataset for this study included 8,509 articles published between 1980 and 2022 accessed through the Web of Science database. Bibliometric methods were used to assess the growth direction of the literature on breastfeeding, the publication performance by country, influential journals and articles, co-citation networks, and keywords. Results: Research on breastfeeding developed slowly until the 2000s, at which point the speed of growth increased. The United States was the country in which most of the breastfeeding research was produced as well as being at the center of international collaborative networks. An examination of author productivity established that there was no specialization in breastfeeding. The results of citation and keyword analyses demonstrated that the literature on breastfeeding is sensitive to current developments, and the psychological aspects of breastfeeding have been intensively discussed, especially in recent years. Moreover, our results demonstrate that breastfeeding support programs are a distinct area if interest. Despite the abundance of research available, more studies are needed for specialization in this field. Conclusion: This broad overview of the field of breastfeeding research can inform the direction and advancement of the literature.

Lactation Research: The State of the Science and Pathways Forward

“…Each year, the Journal of Human Lactation dedicates an issue to the state of our science. The science of lactation is still a relatively young field of inquiry (Baransel et al, 2023) and is at its best when it is inclusive of a broad and diverse union of methodologies—a full system of knowledge that brings together all researchers, and all forms of learning. Our intention with this issue is to provide an opportunity for our community of researchers and writers to look at the edges of their areas of interest and to show us/our readers what is known and what is still needed in order to support progress in each particular specialty area.…”