Breastfeeding Buddies: An Exploratory Evaluation Study

This is an exploratory, qualitative evaluation study of the Breastfeeding Buddies (BFB) program. The Breastfeeding Buddies Program is a peer-based education and support program offered through the Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre. The KDCHC has received funding to undertake a qualitative exploratory study of the BFB program. KDCHC has partnered with researchers at the Manulife Centre for Community Health Research at Wilfrid Laurier University to plan and implement this study.

The purpose of the evaluation study is to understand the perspectives and experiences of Breastfeeding Buddies (BFB) participants and volunteers. The evaluation will explore the process of implementation of the BFB education and support programs and assess the program impacts from the perspective of participants and volunteers. The methods in this study are qualitative because the BFB program has never collected qualitative data from program participants and volunteers. In the past, evaluation of the program has been limited to pre and post surveys. This qualitative study includes two components:

1. Interviews 6-8 weeks after the participants due dates with consenting mothers who participated in the Me Breastfeed workshop - 10-12 mothers who were matched with a Buddy (optional for all workshop participants) will be interviewed and 10-12 mothers who did not seek a match (but did participate in the workshop) will be interviewed to explore what they learned, what was helpful and how the program can be improved.
2. One focus group with 10-15 Breastfeeding Buddies volunteers to explore the experiences and perspectives of the BFB volunteers.

Breastfeeding has been demonstrated to offer numerous physical and emotional health benefits to infant and mother and is the recommended approach to infant feeding by all levels of health authorities. Canadian statistics reveal 89% of mothers initiate breastfeeding at birth but only 51% continue to do so when an infant has reached four months of age. Research has indicated that engaging informed, supportive peers and supportive communities may be effective methods to help mothers who wish to continue to breastfeed overcome common challenges.

This study seeks to explore the benefits and challenges in a Canadian peer support program. The study will assist the BFB to improve their programs and contribute to the growing body of research exploring breastfeeding interventions.This is an exploratory, qualitative evaluation study of the Breastfeeding Buddies (BFB) program.

BFB Program Description:

The Breastfeeding Buddies Program was initiated by breastfeeding mothers in the community and has been supporting breastfeeding families in Waterloo Region since 2003. Recognizing the value of mother-to-mother breastfeeding support, the aim of the Breastfeeding Buddies Program is to help increase the number of moms achieving success in breastfeeding through feeling connected and supported in their community. An informed decision making model is used and diversity is valued when supporting families. This peer based breastfeeding support is a partnership between the Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre and Region of Waterloo Public Health and is available to all women in Waterloo Region.

Breastfeeding Buddies are matched with breastfeeding moms who have had similar experiences or may speak the same language and provide ongoing telephone support and share community resources. BFB's also regularly attend established community sites (e.g. Breastfeeding cafes at Early Years Centres) to provide support to moms on a drop-in basis. Initial contacts between BFBs and mothers are established prenatally when possible through the program coordinator, but may occur at any time in their breastfeeding experience. The program also offers a free 2 hour prenatal breastfeeding class called "Me? Breastfeed?" that is taught by BFBs. This practical workshop offers women and their partner's information on the first 7 days after birth, help with overcoming common challenges and community resources.

All Breastfeeding Buddy volunteers have successfully breastfed for at least 6 months (though many have breastfed for over one year), and are passionate about breastfeeding. They receive 20 hours of expert training with a nurse/lactation consultant and participate in monthly meetings to learn new skills.

The purpose of the evaluation study is to understand the perspectives and experiences of Breastfeeding Buddies (BFB) participants and volunteers.

The evaluation will explore the process of implementation of the BFB education and support programs and assess the program impacts from the perspective of participants and volunteers. The methods in this study are qualitative because the BFB program has never collected qualitative data from program participants and volunteers. In the past, evaluation of the program has been limited to pre and post surveys. This qualitative study includes two components:

1. Interviews 6-8 weeks after the participants due dates with consenting mothers who participated in the Me Breastfeed workshop - 10-12 mothers who were matched with a Buddy (optional for all workshop participants) will be interviewed and 10-12 mothers who did not seek a match (but did participate in the workshop) will be interviewed to explore what they learned, what was helpful and how the program can be improved.
2. One focus group with 10-15 Breastfeeding Buddies volunteers to explore the experiences and perspectives of the BFB volunteers.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* participated in Breastfeeding Buddies programs
* live birth
* consented to contact
* biological mother

Exclusion Criteria:

* less than age 16