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The Role of Social Support in Breastfeeding Promotion: A Literature Review

Norfolk, Virginia; Old Dominion University

Stacey B. Plichta, ScD

Health Services Research from Johns Hopkins University; College of Health Sciences, Room 115, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA.

The current worldwide decline in the initiation and duration of breastfeeding has increased the need for effective breastfeeding promotion. Promotion policies and programs need to be sensitive to those factors that may help or hinder a mother in her efforts to breastfeed. Such factors include sociodemographic characteristics, maternal employment, and social support. Social support that increases breastfeeding includes emotional, tangible, and educational components from both informal social network members (male partner, mother, family/friends) and professional network members (health care professionals, lactation consultants). Conversely, negative social support may decrease breastfeeding.

Key Words: breastfeeding • social support • sociodemographic characteristics • health promotion

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