Objective
The study aims were to identify maternal perceptions about the influence of a hospital-based breastfeeding peer support group in addressing breastfeeding concerns, assisting them to achieve their breastfeeding goals, and providing additional benefits.
Methods
A descriptive, cross-sectional, online survey was conducted with a convenience sample of women who attended a hospital's
... [Show full abstract] breastfeeding support group. Participants reported their breastfeeding concerns and breastfeeding goals prior to and after their attendance at the breastfeeding support group. Changes in reported breastfeeding concerns and breastfeeding goals were analyzed with chi-square statistics.
Results
After participating in the support group session, survey participants ( N = 100) expressed less concern about latching (81%–66%), mother's milk production (77%–62%), breastfeeding while apart from infant (75%–65%), and all other reported breastfeeding concerns. Overall, participants reported the support group successfully addressed their concerns (92%, n = 89), provided adequate time for responses to their questions (87%, n = 87), and assisted them to achieve their breastfeeding goals (91%, n = 88). Over 90% of participants planned to exclusively breastfeed through 6 months.
Conclusion
Hospital-based breastfeeding support groups can successfully address mothers’ key breastfeeding concerns and support extended duration of breastfeeding.
