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

Abstract

BackgroundDespite 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.AimTo 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.MethodsUsing 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.ResultsBreastfeeding 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.ConclusionThese 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.

Knowledge and attitudes of Lebanese women towards Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative practices

“…A recent trial by our group revealed that mothers who received a multi-component breastfeeding intervention consisting of breastfeeding education by a lactation expert, peer, and professional lactation support were six times more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding for six months, as compared to standard care [29]. Whereas peer support was viewed by the trial's participants as important in encouraging them to continue breastfeeding, lactation expert support was considered influential in helping them solve technical problems with breastfeeding [30]. Although the presence of certified lactation consultants is recommended by the Ministry of Public Health, this recommendation is not a requirement by the government for hospital accreditation.…”

Konseling Sebaya Bagi Ibu Untuk Meningkatkan Praktik Pemberian ASI Eksklusif

“…Metode penelitian yang teridentifikasi dari artikel menunjukkan 8 artikel merupakan penelitian kuantitatif, 3 artikel merupakan penelitian kualitatif, dan 1 artikel merupakan report article. Artikel -artikel dalam studi ini berupa retrospective study (n=1), (13) descriptive study (n=1), (14) randomized controlled trial (n=4), (15)(16)(17)(18) Secondary data analysis (n=1) menggunakan data dari program Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BFPC), (19) qualitative study (n=3), (20)(21)(22) education report article (n=1), (23) serta randomized clinical trial (n=1). (24) Tabel 2.…”

“…Penelitian di Lebanon mengungkap bahwa dukungan sebaya memberikan kepuasan bagi ibu terhadap pengalaman menyusui mereka dan sangat menghargai dukungan yang diberikan oleh rekan-rekan mereka dan juga International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). (20) Lebih lanjut diungkapkan bahwa dukungan sebaya dianggap penting dalam mendorong kelanjutan menyusui, sedangkan dukungan IBCLCs berpengaruh dalam pemecahan masalah. (20) Martinez-Brockman et.al (2019) dalam penelitiannya menyatakan bahwa konselor sebaya mendorong para ibu yang mengalami kesulitan, mendukung keberhasilan, dan memberikan dukungan dan bimbingan melalui pesan teks ataupun tatap muka jika memungkinkan.…”

“…(20) Lebih lanjut diungkapkan bahwa dukungan sebaya dianggap penting dalam mendorong kelanjutan menyusui, sedangkan dukungan IBCLCs berpengaruh dalam pemecahan masalah. (20) Martinez-Brockman et.al (2019) dalam penelitiannya menyatakan bahwa konselor sebaya mendorong para ibu yang mengalami kesulitan, mendukung keberhasilan, dan memberikan dukungan dan bimbingan melalui pesan teks ataupun tatap muka jika memungkinkan. Mereka mendorong peserta untuk mencari dukungan keluarga serta mengatasi tekanan dari keluarga atau orang lain untuk memberikan susu formula.…”

“…(25) Ini sejalan dengan hasil penelitian di Lebanon bahwa dukungan sebaya memberikan kepuasan bagi ibu terhadap pengalaman menyusui mereka dan sangat menghargai dukungan yang diberikan kepada mereka, dukungan sebaya juga dianggap penting dalam mendorong kelanjutan menyusui. (20) Selanjutnya, Martinez-Brockman et.al (2019) menjelaskan bahwa konselor sebaya memotivasi ibu yang mengalami kesulitan, mendukung keberhasilan, dan memberikan dukungan serta bimbingan melalui pesan singkat dan tatap muka jika memungkinkan.…”