Table 3.
Qualitative domains, themes, and subthemes by time perioda
| Prenatal | First two weeks postpartum |
|---|---|
| 1. Mechanics of breastfeeding | |
| a. Timing | a. Timing |
| Length of feedings | Length of feedings |
| BF initiation and skin‐to skin | Frequency of feedings |
| Frequency of feedings | b. Milk supply |
| Start of milk production | Signs baby is hungry/full |
| b. Milk supply | What to do if baby still hungry |
| Milk production (colostrum) | How to maintain/increase supply |
| Signs baby is hungry/full | c. Proper positioning |
| c. Proper positioning | Feeding positions and pain |
| Feeding positions and pain | Where to feed baby—locations |
| Latching concerns | d. Breastfeeding problems |
| d. Other breastfeeding questions | Latching trouble |
| BF while on medication | Pumping |
| How to obtain breast pump | Engorgement |
| BF after caesarean section | Plugged ducts |
| Other breast complications | |
| Resuming BF if stopped | |
| 2. Social support | |
| a. Social support from PC | a. Social support from PC |
| b. Asking other professionals for help | b. Asking other professionals for help |
| c. PC calling participants | c. Family support |
| d. Pressure to give formula | |
| 3. Baby's nutrition | |
| a. Nutritional benefits of BF | a. Addition of formula |
| b. Addition of formula | b. Diverse diet and drink water |
| c. Introduction of solids | c. Check if baby getting enough breast milk |
| 4. PC maintaining contact with participants | |
| a. Scheduling appointments | a. Scheduling appointments |
| b. Check‐ins for baby's arrival | b. Check‐ins related to mom's well‐being and BF progress |
| c. Maintaining or reestablishing contact | c. Maintaining or reestablishing contact |
| d. Helpfulness of texts | d. Helpfulness of texts |
Abbreviations: BF, breastfeeding, PC, peer counsellor.
a
Domains are numbered, themes are lettered, and subthemes appear beneath themes. Postpartum themes and subthemes in italics differ from prenatal themes and subthemes.