Breastfeeding support at an Australian Breastfeeding Association drop-in service: a descriptive survey

Abstract

Background In Australia, during the early establishment phase of breastfeeding, women can access telephone peer support counselling provided by the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) however options for face-to-face peer support are limited. The known factors which improve ongoing and exclusive breastfeeding include face-to-face support, peer and/or professional support, and trained personnel. This study aimed to examine women’s experiences of accessing one breastfeeding drop-in peer support service provided by trained peer support volunteer counsellors from the ABA. Methods Women who accessed the service were invited, in 2014, to participate in an anonymous online survey which collected both quantitative and qualitative data. Participants were asked about their experiences of breastfeeding support, as well as their experiences of the drop-in service. In total, 53 women completed the online survey, and subsequent analysis generated descriptive statistics and qualitative themes. Results Responses to the survey revealed that women attended the drop-in service with infants ranging in age from less than 1 week through to 12 months of age. Most women reported attending with infants aged 0–8 weeks of age (72%). The predominant presenting problems identified were sore/damaged nipples, difficulties with infant latching to the breast, or concerns about using nipple shields. Analysis of the open text qualitative responses revealed one overarching theme ‘Support to continue breastfeeding’ and four subthemes: ‘feeling listened to and not judged’; ‘emotional support and confidence building’; ‘the importance of face-to-face, practical support’; and ‘the need for ongoing, free access’. Discussion In this study many women were seeking support for ongoing breastfeeding difficulties. Health professionals who had limited breastfeeding knowledge and skills were identified as most unhelpful in providing support with ongoing breastfeeding difficulties. Women valued having access to trained peer counsellors, who had the capacity to provide non-judgemental, face-to-face support; who could sit through a feed; in a space that was ‘safe’; and who could enhance a woman’s confidence with breastfeeding over the course of her full breastfeeding journey. Conclusions Reactive peer support, provided in response to need, at an Australian Breastfeeding Association drop-in service, was described by participants as pivotal to enabling their ongoing breastfeeding.

First-time mothers’ experiences of receiving proactive telephone-based peer support for breastfeeding in Australia: a qualitative study

“…Our themes and global theme are similar to a number of other studies, and support theoretical perspectives described by Lakey and Cohen [ 30 ]. The global theme is consistent with other studies that have reported the importance of non-judgemental, empathetic support [ 35 , 36 ]. The social connection with their peers, is described by mothers as helping them to feel less alone [ 27 ] and isolated [ 37 ], as a friendship, someone close [ 38 ] and at times a confidante.…”

“…This connection better enabled participants to be relaxed, frank and open in their conversations, with the relationship providing positive effects from companionship and intimacy [ 30 ]. The peer was described as non-judgemental [ 35 , 39 ] empathetic and understanding, attributes which allowed for low-social conflict within the relationship. Participants felt they were able to better cope and manage the stressors [ 40 ] of breastfeeding and parenting, through the peer sharing their own stories, normalising the mother’s experience [ 28 , 40 , 41 ] and helping them to understand their struggles were not unique, supporting the mother’s self-regulation.…”

Finding The Needs of Breastfeeding Mother Accompaniment for Successful Exclusive Breastfeeding Until 6 Months in Semarang City: A Mixed Method

“…Meanwhile, the subjects needed by mothers during the provision of accompaniment were exclusive breastfeeding, correct breastfeeding techniques and positions, breastfeeding problems and how to overcome them, and breastfeeding preparation for working mothers. These findings were also aligned with a previous study, where it was found that the lack of skills regarding the correct breastfeeding position and proper placement while breastfeeding [24] and the preparation of breastfeeding for working mothers become obstacles to the success of exclusive breastfeeding [25]. In addition, mothers with a high level of breastfeeding knowledge with a high score had a greater potential to give exclusive breastfeeding for six months [26].…”

Factors Influencing Uptake of Breastfeeding: The Role of Early Promotion in the Maternity Hospital

“…Support is a practice that reduces the abandonment of breastfeeding [ 48 , 49 ]. In the literature, the organization of home support is described as an attempt to regain as many women as possible to the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, at least for the first few months [ 50 ].…”