Table 6 Different types of support (and associated intervention functions) mapped against the three behaviour-related components
Types of support provided | Intervention functions | COM component |
|---|---|---|
• Use of resources (i.e. breastfeeding dolls, visual images) to facilitate effective breastfeeding • Providing practical demonstrations (e.g. hand expressing) • Providing instrumental support to resolve women’s breastfeeding issues/concerns | Modelling Training Enablement | Physical capability |
• Providing early and repeated opportunities to access information and support • Providing information that is tailored to different gestational stages • Developing women’s knowledge of infant feeding behaviours and practices • Providing information irrespective of women’s infant feeding decisions • Preparing women for infant feeding challenges and difficulties | Education Persuasion Enablement | Psychological capability |
• Developing positive relationships with women • Support provided by peer supporters who understand the realities of breastfeeding • Dispelling anxieties and normalising concerns | Enablement Modelling | Autonomic motivation |
• Providing information on risks and health benefits of different infant feeding methods • Encouraging women to have a ‘first’ breast feed post birth • Providing ongoing feedback and reassurance about women’s breastfeeding progress and achievements | Enablement Persuasion Education | Reflective motivation |
• Breastfeeding groups offered in different localities/times • Providing flexible/proactive support • Providing women with sufficient ‘time’ to help establish/support with breastfeeding • Continuity of support between hospital and community peer supporters • Signing up local businesses to the Breastfeeding Welcome scheme • Encouraging and enabling support of partners/wider family members | Environmental restructuring Enablement Persuasion Education | Physical/Social Opportunities |