An integrative review on mothers' experiences of online breastfeeding peer support: Motivations, attributes and effects

Abstract

Information on the experiences surrounding online breastfeeding peer support among breastfeeding mothers and its effects on breastfeeding outcomes is growing yet to be synthesized. The aim of this review was to synthesize the evidence of mothers' experiences of online breastfeeding peer support. An integrative review was conducted. Five electronic databases were searched. Two reviewers independently screened the articles for inclusion. The inclusion criteria were (1) involved original data focusing on mothers' experiences of online breastfeeding peer support,(2) participants who were mothers who were breastfeeding or had experiences of breastfeeding and (3) studies focusing on interaction and communication among mothers through online communities. In total, 14 publications met the inclusion criteria. Breastfeeding mothers turned to online groups when they felt isolated, lacked professional support or preferred online support over face-to-face support.Online breastfeeding peer support was characterized as a virtual community, with easy access, availability and a wealth of resources from actual experiences of mothers. It empowered breastfeeding mothers and resulted in changes in breastfeeding outcomes and perceptions. The positive aspects of online breastfeeding peer support have recently garnered more attention. This review provided baseline data and evidence to supplement and improve the current breastfeeding support system for breastfeeding mothers. The evidence on the effectiveness of online breastfeeding peer support for influencing breastfeeding outcomes remains inconclusive. Further empirical studies with rigorous study designs are warranted.

Strengthening Peer Mentoring Relationships for New Mothers: A Qualitative Analysis

“…Previous research has highlighted different areas of similarity, such as being in a similar geographical location, culture, employment status, marital status, age, and recency of childbirth, as contributors to peer relationship building [ 23 , 27 ]. Having similar experiences, however, seems to be one important aspect for successful relationships identified by many studies (e.g., [ 23 , 37 , 40 ]). Research on similarity-attraction suggests that surface-level (e.g., age, ethnicity) and deep-level (e.g., attitude, values) have impact on quality of social relation with peers and program adherence behaviours [ 60 , 61 ].…”

“…Peers may also have personalities that are incompatible with the mother, and mothers may also feel inadequate if they make comparisons with their peer [ 36 ]. This feeling of inadequacy can lead to suboptimal levels of support and result in poorer outcomes for mothers [ 37 ]. Thus, central to the effectiveness of peer support is the extent to which it is functionally adaptive, and in some cases, even good intentions from others may produce undesirable consequences.…”

Conhecimento das mulheres que participam dos grupos virtuais hospedados no facebook sobre o aleitamento materno

“…Já, na busca de informações por pesquisas na internet, o conteúdo acessado partiu principalmente de canais administrados por profissionais da saúde. 23 Outra pesquisa realizada na cidade de Soledad de Graciano Sánchez, no México, que explorou as experiências e crenças sobre a amamentação exclusiva de mães que chegam a um hospital público para consulta nutricional, revelou que a troca de experiências com suas mães e avós proporciona maior conforto durante o processo de amamentação. E, embora as mulheres entrevistadas apontem que o profissional da saúde oferte informações durante os atendimentos, o mesmo não se mostra suficiente para sustentar a prática cotidiana, as dúvidas que surgem ao longo do aleitamento e a ansiedade diante de situações inéditas.…”

Feasibility and Acceptability of an Online WhatsApp Support Group on Breastfeeding: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…A recent integrated review has found that women tend to seek online breastfeeding support if they were isolated or do not receive sufficient professional support, and that online support could be an accessible and easily available channel for them to learn from others' experience [8]. Nevertheless, most studies on the topic to date have focused on the qualitative aspects of the online support experience [8], and there remains a lack of intervention studies on online peer support intervention. Moreover, existing data on whether online breastfeeding peer support could help improve breastfeeding outcome remain scarce and inconclusive [8].…”

“…Nevertheless, most studies on the topic to date have focused on the qualitative aspects of the online support experience [8], and there remains a lack of intervention studies on online peer support intervention. Moreover, existing data on whether online breastfeeding peer support could help improve breastfeeding outcome remain scarce and inconclusive [8].…”