Social support perceived by breastfeeding mothers and its impacts on breastfeeding.
Luciane Cristina Rodrigues Fernandes, Julia Melo Campanha, Clara Fróes de Oliveira Sanfelice and 2 others
PMID 42484191WHAT IT FOUND
Postpartum women who had a social support network in the first month reported more daytime rest and were more likely to be exclusively breastfeeding at six months.
It did not affect nighttime rest or formula introduction.
Key findings
0193.09% of women said they could count on help after discharge, and the partner was the most frequently named support person.
02A support network in the first month was associated with daytime rest and exclusive breastfeeding at six months.
03A support network was not associated with nighttime rest, pacifier use in the first month, or formula introduction during the first six months.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study used a convenience sample from two public teaching hospitals, so it may not apply to other settings, private hospitals, or mothers whose babies needed neonatal intensive or intermediate care. Support was measured, not assigned, so other factors such as employment, relationship status, previous breastfeeding experience, or education may explain the associations. Follow-up was limited to women who were still breastfeeding or whose baby was receiving breast milk, so women who stopped breastfeeding early may be missing from later contacts. 55 women could not be contacted, and the sample fell from 304 at baseline to 191 at 6 months. The study could not describe which supportive actions the women valued or which actions affected breastfeeding. Only 61 (20.07%) had exclusive breastfeeding until six months.
Declared interests
Funding was provided by the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development and an institutional doctoral scholarship program.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that arranging social support will cause exclusive breastfeeding. This was a cohort study, not a trial; support was measured, not assigned, and it was not associated with formula introduction or nighttime rest.