The First 1000 Days of Life: Breastfeeding in The Cook Islands—An Ecological Perspective Using Bronfenbrenner's Model

Background The first 1,000 days of a child's life (from conception to 2 years old) are critical for optimal development and nutrition. This period can shape long‐term health outcomes. Aim To explore feeding practices in the Cook Islands within the Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory framework. Design Using qualitative ‘Korero’ methods, we interviewed 50 parents and caregivers of children under 6 years old from three islands (Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu). Data were thematically analysed and mapped onto the ecological model. Results Participants described substantial family support for breastfeeding initiation but encountered barriers to exclusive and continued breastfeeding. Challenges included limited perinatal support, insufficient workplace accommodations for lactating mothers and rising economic pressures. Sociocultural shifts, such as increased migration and reliance on packaged foods, hindered optimal feeding practices. Conclusion This study highlights a need for multi‐level, context‐specific interventions to promote exclusive breastfeeding in the Cook Islands, recognising the interdependencies of individual, family, community and societal factors.