Facebook support for breastfeeding mothers: A comparison to offline support and associations with breastfeeding outcomes

Abstract

Objectives For breastfeeding mothers, online support groups through Facebook may be a more convenient and preferred source for accessing breastfeeding information and support, but few studies exist that examine the use of Facebook groups specifically for breastfeeding support. This study explores the sources of support among users of Facebook breastfeeding support groups and a possible mechanism by which support received on Facebook may translate to behavioral outcomes among breastfeeding mothers. Methods From July–September 2017 a survey was distributed online to African American mothers ( N = 277) who participate in breastfeeding support groups on Facebook. The survey assessed network support from Facebook and other sources of breastfeeding support, perceived breastfeeding norms, breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding attitudes. Correlations and linear regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between covariates and outcome variables. Results The average intended breastfeeding duration among participants in this study was 19 months. Participants reported the highest amount of breastfeeding support received from their Facebook support group, in comparison to other sources of support, and Facebook support was significantly correlated with intended breastfeeding duration ( p < 0.05). Self-efficacy and breastfeeding attitudes remained significant predictors of intended breastfeeding duration within the final regression model. Conclusions Breastfeeding support received within Facebook groups may compensate for inadequate support received within mothers’ networks. More research is needed to understand the mechanism through which Facebook support may contribute to prolonged breastfeeding durations.

Evaluation of the impact of breastfeeding support groups in primary health centres in Andalusia, Spain: a study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial (GALMA project)

“…There already are breastfeeding support groups led by midwives in Spain nowadays [42], but they do not follow a common structure or systematization that allows for impact assessment. This project aims to develop a common structure based on prenatal counselling, antenatal classes and a follow-up over the first 6 months of the newborn's life, by means of monthly group sessions and mother-tomother support through social networks (Facebook and WhatsApp), a support resource described in the previous literature [28], and to assess their efficacy. This will help elaborate a guide which can offer a direction to those professionals who wish to set up a breastfeeding support group in their primary health centre.…”

“…Apart from these monthly meetings, the participants will have the choice of interacting with each other, with other lactating women, and with the reference midwife, using Facebook and WhatsApp groups created for that purpose. This way, mother-to-mother support can be reinforced and the resolution of doubts on the subject through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) [28] can be assessed. They will also have the option of arranging an individual appointment with their reference midwife, as well as the usual postnatal care.…”

Pembentukan Kelompok Pendukung Asi (Kp-Asi) Tingkatkan Cakupan Asi Dan Mpasi

“…Penelitian lain juga mengungkapkan bahwa di era digital sekarang ini, dukungan terhadap ibu menyusui dapat dilakukan melalui facebook, karena ibu muda sekarang banyak yang menggunakan media sosial ini dan mereka dapat berinteraksi melalui facebook dalam waktu yang lebih lama dan sesuai minat mereka (Robinson, Lauckner, Davis, Hall, & Anderson, 2019). Oleh karena itu kedepannya berawal dari pembentukan KP-ASI ini nantinya dapat diinisiasi pembentukan kelompok pendukung ASI melalui facebook dengan grup tertutup supaya tetap ada privacy ketika membicarakan hal yang dianggap tabu.…”

Description of an mHealth tool for breastfeeding support: LactApp. Analysis of how lactating mothers seek support at critical breastfeeding points and according to their infant's age

“…Personalized information and more interaction are characteristics that women demand (Halili et al, 2018). This personalized information is highlighted as essential for BF maintenance by mothers and health professionals (Garner et al, 2016; Robinson et al, 2019). A previous study revealed that LactApp queries increased between July 2016 and June 2019 and the trend of queries has grown according to Prais–Winsten autoregressions based on the Durbin–Watson model (article under peer review).…”

“…Personalized information and more interaction are characteristics that women demand(Halili et al, 2018). This personalized information is highlighted as essential for BF maintenance by mothers and health professionals(Garner et al, 2016;Robinson et al, 2019). A previous study revealed that LactApp queries increased between July 2016 and June 2019 and the trend of queries has grown according to Prais-Winsten autoregressions based on the Durbin-Watson model (article under peer review).Different factors can contribute to shorter BF durations, including mother's perception of insufficient milk supply, nipple or breast pain, lack of social support, lack of confidence, physical and social embarrassment, comfort and trust in formula(Morrison et al, 2019;Schindler-Ruwisch et al, 2018), which are associated with difficulty with latch and position, and the presence of infant tonguetie, among other factors(Kent et al, 2015).…”