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. 2023 Sep 1;18:50. doi: 10.1186/s13006-023-00587-9

Table 2.

Overview demands to enhance breastfeeding behaviour and their corresponding COM-B component and TDF domain

COM-B component TDF domain Subthemes Demands description
Capability Memory, attention and decision process Understanding infants’ cues and identifying problems Develop capability to read cues and identify abnormal infant behaviors so that can react promptly when challenges arise.
Knowledge & skills Breastfeeding knowledge accumulation and skills training

16 learning demands, of which the lactation education and breast pump selection guidance were the most frequently mentioned. Face-to-face, systematic, staffed and plain course.

Educational resource that integrated text, image, and video modes.

Physical opportunity Environmental context and resource Cleanliness and quietness in the household environment A clean and quiet household environment during postpartum recovery period.

Breastfeeding support in workplaces

Breastfeeding support in hospitals

Tools for breast milk storage, privacy lactation spaces, and flexible schedule for lactation in workplaces

Private lactation spaces and tools for breast milk expression and storage in hospitals

Social opportunity Social influences Partner and family support Family members share responsibility and have close collaboration to care for the infant.
Peer support Practical and emotional support provided by experienced mothers.
Authoritative support from healthcare providers Authoritative affirmation given by healthcare workers when women’s own breastfeeding advocacy was dismissed by family members.
Reflective motivation Beliefs about consequences Information about the health impacts of breastfeeding Information on the health impacts of breastfeeding for mothers and infants, respectively.
Automatic motivation Emotion Maternal-infant bonding Information about infant when separated by pictures, videos, phone call or internet.
Free of aversive stimulus No questioning and pressure but respect and comfort.

COM-B Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation System, TDF Theoretical Domains Framework