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

Abstract

Background The RUBY randomised controlled trial was found to be effective in promoting breastfeeding continuation, in the setting of a high income country, through a program of proactive telephone-based peer support in the first 6 months postpartum. This paper explores women’s experiences of receiving the peer support intervention in the RUBY trial. Methods Ten in-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted between December 2015 and November 2016 in Metropolitan Melbourne, and regional Victoria, Australia. Participants were women who received the peer support intervention in the RUBY trial and were between 11 and 15 months postpartum at the time of interview. Interviews were underpinned by social support theories and were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results A global theme of ‘non-judgemental support and guidance’ was identified, which included five organising themes. Four of the organising themes centred on the support from the peer, in which women felt the support was a ‘positive experience with empathy and understanding’, ‘non-judgemental’, ‘practical advice’, and a ‘social connection that was more than just breastfeeding’. In contrast to the support from peers was the theme ‘not all support from family and friends is supportive’. Conclusion Participants, including those who considered that they had adequate and available family and friend support for breastfeeding, valued and appreciated the non-judgemental, empathetic and understanding support from peers. This support, facilitated by the anonymity of the telephone-based program, allowed open and honest conversations, normalising women’s experiences and helping them feel less alone in their challenges with breastfeeding and transition to motherhood. These findings can inform the design, and upscaling, of innovative and sustainable peer support models, ensuring delivery of effective and engaging support with a broad population reach.

Is proactive telephone-based breastfeeding peer support a cost-effective intervention? A within-trial cost-effectiveness analysis of the ‘Ringing Up about Breastfeeding earlY’ (RUBY) randomised controlled trial

“…In models such as this, that are proven to improve breastfeeding outcomes, further research could include assessing in greater detail the extent to which peers should be financially rewarded. The mothers receiving the intervention also valued the support as a positive experience, providing practical advice, social connectedness, and empathy and understanding through sometimes challenging experiences 39…”

“…The mothers receiving the intervention also valued the support as a positive experience, providing practical advice, social connectedness, and empathy and understanding through sometimes challenging experiences. 39 The RUBY trial was conducted in collaboration with the ABA, the peak national breastfeeding advocacy group in Australia. There is great potential for consumer-led breastfeeding associations such as the ABA, who currently provide reactive models of support and education, to implement and up-scale proactive telephone-based peer support within their existing infrastructure.…”

Strengthening Peer Mentoring Relationships for New Mothers: A Qualitative Analysis

“…Our second theme reflected a discussion from participants about the benefits of forming a relationship with someone with whom they have shared no previous history. Perinatal women highlighted the importance of having mentors who are not part of their existing social circle, as well-meaning family and friends might carry their own agendas, and may not be focused on the needs of the mother [ 54 ]. This theme is particularly interesting given that problems associated with stigma, judgment, and criticism have been given as reasons for perinatal women’s desire for non-professional (as opposed to professional) support [ 15 , 20 , 21 ].…”