It Takes an E-Village: Supporting African American Mothers in Sustaining Breastfeeding Through Facebook Communities

Abstract

Background: Lack of breastfeeding support is a common barrier reported by African American mothers, whose breastfeeding rates remain significantly below the national average. Despite mothers’ reported use of social network sites to access support on topics relating to child rearing, few studies have examined their use to exchange breastfeeding support. Research aims: To describe (1) the experiences of African American mothers who participate in breastfeeding support groups on Facebook and (2) the breastfeeding beliefs, practices, and outcomes for this population of mothers. Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional qualitative study with an online focus group design. The study was guided by Black Feminist Thought and an integrated model of behavior prediction. Four online focus groups ( N = 22) were conducted using video conferencing during September 2017 with African American mothers who were participating in breastfeeding support groups on Facebook. Results: Thematic analysis was used to develop four themes and two subthemes, including creating a community for Black mothers, online interactions and levels of engagement, advantages of participating in online support groups, critiques of online support groups, empowerment of self and others, and shifts in breastfeeding perceptions and decisions. Among participants in this study, positive imagery of African American breastfeeding mothers and ongoing support from women with shared experiences improved confidence with public breastfeeding and prolonged goals for breastfeeding duration. Conclusion: Receiving peer support within Facebook communities may positively influence breastfeeding norms and confidence in breastfeeding, help mothers to overcome breastfeeding challenges, and ultimately extend intended breastfeeding duration.

Black/African American Breastfeeding Experience: Cultural, Sociological, and Health Dimensions Through an Equity Lens

“…23 Formula supplementation was seen as inexpensive, required less time, and allowed women to manage and maintain their social life. 20,37 Conversely, social media engagement brought shifts in maternal BF beliefs and perceptions, 38 which resulted in increased willingness to breastfeed beyond the infant's first year. 36 Personal factors influenced the BF experiences of women.…”

“…Another health care system mentioned by women was the role of peer counselors and there was an indication of a positive impact on lactation. 38 Women viewed peer counselors' educational efforts as truthful, confidential, supportive, and helped dispel misconceptions about BF. Although effective, there remains a need to establish standard guidelines for peer counselors' BF interventions.…”

“…Although effective, there remains a need to establish standard guidelines for peer counselors' BF interventions. 38 An exemplar of the integration of the community, health care system, and BF is the Communities and Hospitals Advancing Maternity Practices Program. 28 AA women received community-based perinatal BF support, which contributed to increased BF initiation (46-63% [p < 0.05]) and exclusivity (19-31% [p < 0.05]) 28 rates.…”

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

“…This study is part of a larger mixed methods study that explores the experience and breastfeeding outcomes of African American mothers who participate in Facebook groups for breastfeeding support. 27 The purpose of this research is to identify the sources of breastfeeding support for mothers who participate in support groups on Facebook and to explore a possible mechanism by which support received on social network sites leads to behavioral outcomes among breastfeeding mothers. The following research questions were addressed:RQ1: Who are the sources of breastfeeding support for African American mothers participating in breastfeeding support groups on Facebook?RQ2: In comparison to other sources of breastfeeding support, what is the relationship between breastfeeding support received from social network sites (SNS) support groups and breastfeeding duration, as moderated by perceived breastfeeding norms, breastfeeding attitudes and breastfeeding self-efficacy?…”

Facilitators and Barriers to Healthy Midlife Transition among South Asian Immigrant Women in Canada: A Qualitative Exploration

“…One question was posted in the group every other day. Exclusive groups were created to allow a secure, confidential and safe environment for research participants [30,31]. Each participant was offered a $15 gift card for their time.…”