The process of establishing, implementing and maintaining a social support infant feeding programme
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15091111 |
|---|---|
| Authors | RG Watt (University College London, corresponding author), Pauline McGlone (University of Plymouth), JJ Russell (University College London), KI Tull (University College London), Elizabeth Dowler (University of Warwick) |
| Year | 2006 |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pages | 714-721 |
| Publication date | 2006-09-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Public Health Nutrition (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1368-9800 • E-ISSN: 1475-2727 |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1079/phn2005901 |
| OpenAlex | W2042713193 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 6 |
| References cited | 12 |
Objective To describe the process of establishing and implementing a social support infant feeding intervention. Design This paper outlines the initial stages of a randomised controlled trial which assessed the effectiveness of a social support intervention on a range of infant feeding outcomes. Details are presented of the processes involved in recruiting, training and supporting a group of volunteers who provided support to the study sample. Setting Camden and Islington, London, UK. Results Initial networking with local agencies and organisations provided invaluable information and contacts. Employing a dedicated volunteer co-ordinator is vitally important in the recruitment, training and support of volunteers. Providing child care and travel expenses is an essential incentive for volunteers with young children. Advertisements placed in local newspapers were the most successful means of recruiting volunteers. Appropriate training is needed to equip volunteers with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide effective support. Particular emphasis in the training focused upon developing the necessary interpersonal skills and self-confidence. The evaluation of the training programme demonstrated that it improved volunteers’ knowledge and reported confidence. The provision of ongoing support is also essential to maintain volunteers’ interest and enthusiasm. The retention of volunteers is, however, a key challenge. Conclusions The processes outlined in this paper have demonstrated the feasibility of successfully establishing, implementing and maintaining a community-based social support infant feeding programme. The experiences described provide useful insights into the practical issues that need to be addressed in setting up a social support intervention
Developmental psychology · Enthusiasm · Incentive · Interpersonal communication · Intervention (counseling · Medical education · Political science · Process (computing · Public relations · Social skills · Social support · Birth, Development, and Health · Breastfeeding Practices and Influences · Child and Adolescent Health · Computer Science · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Social Psychology
The impact of peer support training on mothers' attitudes towards and knowledge of breastfeeding
Four-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial of a social support intervention on infant feeding practices
Effectiveness of a nutrition education package in improving feeding practices, dietary adequacy and growth of infants and young children in rural Tanzania
A community-based health promotion intervention using brief negotiation techniques and a pledge on dietary intake, physical activity levels and weight outcomes
Breast-feeding
Effectiveness of a social support intervention on infant feeding practices
Social support and health
Work stress and social support
Government funded breastfeeding peer support projects
A life course approach to diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases
Breast-feeding initiation and exclusive duration at 6 months by social class – results from the Millennium Cohort Study
| Citations per year | 0.3 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2006 - 2014 (9) |
| Highly cited | No |