The process of implementing a community-based peer breast-feeding support programme: the Glasgow experience

• Published in: Midwifery Vol. 17; no. 1; pp. 65 - 73
• Main Authors: McInnes, Rhona J., Stone, David H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scotland Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2001
• Subjects: Breast Feeding - psychology; Breastfeeding; Community based programmes; Community Health Services - organization & administration; Counseling - organization & administration; England; Female; Glasgow; Health Promotion - organization & administration; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Mothers - education; Mothers - psychology; Nursing; Peer Group; Peer groups; Postnatal Care - organization & administration; Poverty - psychology; Pregnancy; Program Evaluation; Scotland; Self-Help Groups; Social Support; Surveys and Questionnaires; England
• ISSN: 0266-6138; 1532-3099
• DOI: 10.1054/midw.2000.0236

Aim: to document the process of implementing and maintaining a community-based peer- support programme. Design and setting: a community-based study located in a socio-economically disadvantaged housing estate on the outskirts of Glasgow. Participants: pregnant women residing in a target postcode area. Intervention: a programme of peer counselling and support for breast feeding, comprising antenatal and postnatal home visits over a period of three years. Implications for practice: peer support may provide an acceptable and appropriate role model for breast-feeding mothers. However, further research is required on other influential factors such as the social network and the impact of this programme on the peer supporter. Conclusions: despite a low prevalence of breast feeding, initiating and maintaining peer breast-feeding support was possible. Peer support appeared to be acceptable to mothers and health professionals. Study mothers spoke enthusiastically of the intervention and mentioned increased confidence and self-esteem.