Association Between Breastfeeding Peer Support and Confidence in Breastfeeding

Peer support programs may be effective for supporting breastfeeding among diverse groups, and in reducing disparities. This study provides insight regarding the implementation and outcomes of a peer breastfeeding support program.

(1) to examine how participation affected the outcomes of breastfeeding motivation, confidence, and coping strategies; and (2) to evaluate satisfaction with the program.

This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study. Seven pilot sites in the United States uniquely implemented a federally-funded peer support program for low-income women. Data were collected using a survey and focus groups/interviews. Over 12 months, 1,296 women participated, comprising 615 peer support pairs. A total of 401 women responded to the survey. Twenty-three focus groups and 63 interviews were conducted across the seven sites.

Participants who enrolled in the program during pregnancy: t (189) = -6.55, p < 0.001, and after the baby was born: t (170) = -2.59, p = 0.001, gained confidence in breastfeeding. More satisfied participants were more likely to breastfeed longer: F (7,352) = 12.75, p < 0.001, and cope with breastfeeding challenges: F (7,352) = 7.83, p < 0.001.

Effective operation strategies of the peer breastfeeding support program have significantly influenced participant satisfaction. Introducing peer support for low-income women to share their breastfeeding experiences would be beneficial in enhancing breastfeeding rates. However, the generalizability of these findings may be limited to this U.S. federally-funded peer support program.