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

McInnes, Rhona J; Stone, David H

Abstract

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.

Citation

McInnes, R. J. & Stone, D. H. (2001). The process of implementing a community-based peer breast-feeding support programme: the Glasgow experience. Midwifery. 17. (1). 65-73. doi:10.1054/midw.2000.0236. ISSN 0266-6138.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 2, 2000
• Online Publication Date: Feb 22, 2002
• Publication Date: 2001-03
• Deposit Date: Oct 28, 2016
• Journal: Midwifery
• Print ISSN: 0266-6138
• Electronic ISSN: 1532-3099
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 65-73
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1054/midw.2000.0236
• Keywords: Obstetrics; Gynaecology; Maternity; Midwifery
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/409355