title: Development of a postnatal educational program for breastfeeding mothers in community settings: intervention mapping as a useful guide.
abstract: Inconsistency in how professionals can best support the breastfeeding mother after discharge call on further investigation. The authors describe how intervention mapping was used to develop a postnatal breastfeeding support intervention for mothers in community settings. Breastfeeding cessation most often occurred in the first weeks among mothers with low self-efficacy, low confidence, or limited previous breastfeeding experience. Besides learning effective breastfeeding techniques, mothers needed to learn how to recognize their baby's cues, let the baby regulate meals, gain confidence in producing enough milk, and handle breastfeeding problems. Theory-based methods-such as individualization, skills training with guided practice, reattribution, planning coping responses, and mobilizing social support-were built into a health visitor-delivered program. An 18-hour training course addressed determinants for implementation. Finally, process and effect evaluations were planned. Support of the breastfeeding mother in community settings should address the psychosocial and practical aspects of breastfeeding to prevent premature cessation.
authors: Institute of Public Health, Department of Nursing Science, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark. hk@nursingscience.au.dk
authors: Hanne
authors: H
authors: Kronborg
authors: Gerjo
authors: G
authors: Kok
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011181:Postnatal Care; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012944:Social Support