Experiences with peer support for breastfeeding in Beirut, Lebanon: A qualitative study

• Published in: PloS one 2019-10, Vol.14 (10), p.e0223687-e0223687
• Main Authors: Kabakian-Khasholian, Tamar, Nimer, Hana, Ayash, Soumaya, Nasser, Fatima, Nabulsi, Mona
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Audio data; Biology and Life Sciences; Breast feeding; Breast Feeding - statistics & numerical data; Breastfeeding & lactation; Clinical trials; Computer and Information Sciences; Health promotion; Health sciences; Health Surveys; Humans; Infants; Intervention; Lactation; Lebanon - epidemiology; Medical research; Medicine and Health Sciences; Mothers; Pediatrics; Peer Group; Peer tutoring; People and Places; Postnatal Care - methods; Postnatal Care - statistics & numerical data; Pregnancy; Problem solving; Qualitative Research; Research methodology; Social capital; Social interactions; Social networks; Social research; Social Sciences; Social Support; Support systems; Women's Health; Womens health
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223687

Despite the beneficial effects of peer support on breastfeeding, research on the process of peer support is scarce. In Lebanon, exclusive breastfeeding is only 15% in infants below six months. A multidisciplinary team launched a multi-component breastfeeding support intervention, with peer support, and professional lactation support provided by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLs) to target this decline. To describe the experiences of breastfeeding mothers and peer support providers with the process of breastfeeding support, and the influence of the intervention on their social support system. Using a qualitative methodology, a purposive sample of breastfeeding and support mothers was accessed from among those who completed their six months interview in the trial taking place in two hospitals in Beirut, Lebanon. Data were collected from 43 participants using in-depth interviews and following the data saturation principle. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted, guided by the principles of grounded theory. Breastfeeding mothers were satisfied with their breastfeeding experience, and extremely appreciative of the support provided by their peers and the IBCLCs. They experienced these forms of support differently. Peer support was perceived to be important in encouraging breastfeeding continuation, whereas IBCLC support was influential in problem solving. These findings can improve our understanding of the peer and professional lactation support process within the social context, and the realities of breastfeeding mothers, and help facilitate the scaling up of interventions in similar contexts.