Kim Smith, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Regina
  • One on One Breastfeeding Help
  • Fee Structure & Service Details
  • Breastfeeding Class
  • Tongue Ties
  • 6 Weeks to Breastfeeding Success
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • FAQ's
    • What is an IBCLC?
    • Breast Pump Rental

Effectiveness of Peer Support

3/28/2014

Comments

 
In 2012, Finish researchers published a study in the Journal of Clinical Nursing reviewing past studies that had “focused on breastfeeding, breastfeeding support interventions, and education of healthy mothers and infants”.

The researchers combed through 34 studies published between 2000 and 2008 that were focused in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. At the time they began the study, the researchers pointed out that peer breastfeeding support was rising in popularity, particularly in the UK. Even so, very little research had been done up to that point on peer support, its cost effectiveness, and its impact on breastfeeding rates.

Researchers outlined 4 elements that are necessary for peer support interventions to be effective:

1. Well-planned peer education
Mothers were generally dissatisfied with the support of their peers if they had received no training.

2. Continuance of support from pregnancy to the postpartum period
If new mothers receive no support during pregnancy or at the hospital, any postnatal support would likely be ineffective.

3. Working together with professionals
Professional support is critical while the mother is at the hospital and if she experiences serious difficulties while breastfeeding. On the other hand, peer support can better offer advice related to breastfeeding and everyday life.

4. Variety of means to give support
This includes such things as individual support, support groups, educational classes at the hospital, hospital-based breastfeeding drop-in centres, pictures, and breast pump loans.

The most important requirement for ensuring a successful breastfeeding experience is that the mother feels supported and empowered. Because support must happen over a period of several months, having a variety of trained support persons is integral. It’s unreasonable to expect that a friend, mother, or even a doctor will be able to provide continual support for such a long period. Having a team—no matter how loosely based—can help spread out the burden of supporting a struggling mother. In addition, hiring a lactation consultant can be an ideal combination of peer and professional support.

Lactation consultants are educated and trained; they are available for prenatal, natal, and postnatal support in a comfortable and approachable manner; they work with professionals, and they have access to a variety of support methods.

Contact me if you’d like to know how I can provide the best support you can receive.
Comments

    Kim Smith
    IBCLC,

    Chatting about a variety of birth and breastfeeding topics. 

    Categories

    All
    Breastfeeding
    Breastmilk Donation
    Childbirth
    Doula
    Essential Oils
    IBCLC
    Lactation
    Low Supply
    Pain
    Postpartum
    Sleep
    Thrush
    Tongue Tie
    Vasospasms
    Weight Gain

    Archives

    October 2024
    September 2023
    May 2022
    September 2021
    July 2021
    February 2020
    January 2020
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    September 2017
    August 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    November 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014

    RSS Feed

Picture


​



    Would you like updates about new classes or occasional information that I send out?

Subscribe to Newsletter
Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Serving Regina Sask & Area

306-550-6143
​[email protected]

​
Quick facts: 
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (2010), Re-certified (2015, 2020)
TummyTime Method Instructor

Retired Doula, CAPPA trained, Pre-Certified ProDoula (2009)
Your Birth Experience (YBE) Certified (2015)
​Wife & mother of 4
Retired Medical Laboratory Technologist 
  • One on One Breastfeeding Help
  • Fee Structure & Service Details
  • Breastfeeding Class
  • Tongue Ties
  • 6 Weeks to Breastfeeding Success
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • FAQ's
    • What is an IBCLC?
    • Breast Pump Rental