Breastfeeding peer support: maternal and volunteer perceptions from a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Healthcare Interventions

Background:

• Peer support interventions show promise for improving breastfeeding outcomes.
• Limited research exists on maternal and peer volunteer perceptions of breastfeeding peer support programs.
• Understanding participant experiences is crucial for optimizing intervention design and effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe maternal and peer volunteer perceptions of their experiences in a breastfeeding peer support trial.
• To evaluate the nature and intensity of the supportive intervention from both participants' and volunteers' viewpoints.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial evaluated telephone-based peer support for breastfeeding duration among 256 primiparous women.
• Participants were randomized to conventional care or conventional care plus peer support.
• Outcomes included peer volunteer activity logs, maternal perceptions, and peer volunteer evaluations.

Main Results:

• Mothers reported peer volunteers increased confidence, decreased concerns, and aided in achieving breastfeeding goals.
• 81.5% of mothers were satisfied with peer support and recommended it for all new mothers.
• All interviewed peer volunteers (n=30) had positive experiences and suggested program improvements.

Conclusions:

• Both mothers and peer volunteers perceived the breastfeeding peer support intervention positively.
• Maternal satisfaction correlated with the frequency and duration of peer volunteer contact.
• Enhancements in volunteer training, support, and recruitment strategies are recommended to improve volunteer retention.