Table 4 Overview of key policy components
Policy category | Examples of how policies were enacted by the peer support service |
|---|---|
Communication/marketing | • Posters in community/health venues • Leaflets distributed at antenatal/postnatal contacts • Displays on Children Centre plasma screens • Social media • Sticker on the mother’s ‘personal child record’ |
Guidelines | • Code of Marketing Substitutes • Infant feeding policies |
Regulation | • BFI external assessment processes: accreditation in 1998, 2011, 2016 • Training/supervision provided to all peer supporters (paid/volunteers) • Peer supporter job descriptions • Regular project meetings • SMART action plans/feedback cycles |
Environmental/social planning | • Home visits offered by community peer support • Breastfeeding groups at Children’s Centres • Breastfeeding welcome scheme |
Service provision | • Support provided at antenatal contacts and on postnatal ward (daily support) • Breastfeeding groups • Community support up to 6–8 weeks |