'The right help at the right time' : positive constructions of peer and professional support for breastfeeding

Problem or issue: Support during the early establishment phase of breastfeeding is important but women report that health professionals can undermine their confidence with breastfeeding. What is already known: Breastfeeding support provided in fragmented hospital based models of care predominantly reflect authoritative expert advice-giving which women describe as conflicting and unsupportive. Women show a preference for support from a known midwife, or a peer supporter, or a combination of the two. What this paper adds: Peer support counsellors and privately practicing midwives approached breastfeeding support in a similar way. They interacted with women as a 'knowledgeable friend' and normalised breastfeeding challenges which enhanced women's confidence with breastfeeding.