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"The right help at the right time": Positive constructions of peer and professional support for breastfeeding
Elaine Burns1, Virginia Schmied1
1School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.
Problem Or Issue:
Support during the early establishment phase of breastfeeding is important but women report that health professionals can undermine their confidence with breastfeeding.
What Is Already Known:
Breastfeeding support provided in fragmented hospital based models of care predominantly reflect authoritative expert advice-giving which women describe as conflicting and unsupportive. Women show a preference for support from a known midwife, or a peer supporter, or a combination of the two.
What This Paper Adds:
Peer support counsellors and privately practicing midwives approached breastfeeding support in a similar way. They interacted with women as a ‘knowledgeable friend’ and normalised breastfeeding challenges which enhanced women’s confidence with breastfeeding.