Skip to main content
. 2022 Jul 12;18(4):e13399. doi: 10.1111/mcn.13399

Table 3.

Summary of strengths and limitations of studies

Authors/year Strengths Limitations Population Design
Alianmoghaddam et al. (2018)

Discusses wider social contexts influencing breastfeeding practices and focuses on quality

Methods employed multiple strategies (survey, face‐to‐face and monthly telephone interviews) enriching data

Several theoretical constructs were discussed and applied

Small, homogeneous sample (n = 30) and research location limits generalisability

Samples were highly motivated with the intention to breastfeed for at least 6 months

30 mothers breastfeeding babies 0–6 months (New Zealand) Qualitative
Black et al. (2020)

Approach explores socioeconomic, cultural and individual factors alongside mothers’ perceptions

Detailed exploration of the theoretical lens (social cognitive theory) and possible value in the analysis

Research limited to members of one group in one research location

Homogeneous, small sample, all partnered/married with one child, limiting generalisability

8 women from one FB group (Ireland) Qualitative
Bridges et al. (2018)

Offers insights into type and usefulness of support, including from whom

Adds detail on commonly discussed topics

Methods captured a large sample of posts and comments and included shared images

Researcher status as ‘insider’ may impact reflexivity

Focuses on perceptions of a supportive community, no data on impacts on breastfeeding

No demographic data were captured, all groups were run and moderated by the same organisation, which may limit generalisability

778 wall posts with a total of 2998 comments (Australia) Online ethnography (Qualitative)
Skelton et al. (2018)

Demonstrates clear positive influence of social media support on attitudes, knowledge and behaviour

Combination of methods resulting in aggregated data for analysis

Adds insight into groups as a resource and a community and impact on outcomes

Research limited to members of one group in one research location

Homogeneous, small sample, limiting generalisability

Included reflections from mothers who had stopped breastfeeding up to 3 years prior, so some data was retrospective/subject to recall bias

21 women (focus group) and 12 mothers (interviews) from one FB group (US) Qualitative
Skelton et al. (2020)

Detailed discussion of underpinning theoretical constructs, and identifying clear characteristics of a CoP

Relatively large sample drawn over both approaches

Homogeneous, highly motivated sample

Cross‐sectional design limits the determination of causality

21 women (focus group) and 12 mothers (interviews) from one FB group (US) Cross ‐sectional
Robinson, Davis et al. (2019)

Adds insight into the needs of a specific population

Detailed discussion of underpinning theoretical constructs

Detail is provided on the correlation between independent variables and breastfeeding duration

Potential selection bias, design limits determination of causation

Limited generalisability due to demographics and large FB group size

277 African‐American mothers from 9 FB groups (US) Cross‐sectional
Bridges (2016)

Both administrators and mothers participated

Provides detail on the range of ‘added value’ of online support alongside traditional formats

Details perceptions of information reliability

Researcher status as ‘insider’ may impact reflexivity

No demographic data on participants collected

Small sample (n = 23), specific group formats and moderation by ABA‐trained supporters may impact generalisability

3 FB groups were observed, followed by 23 group participants interviewed (Australia) Qualitative
Regan and Brown (2019)

Well‐designed study meeting all Critical Appraisal Skills Programme UK (CASP) (2018) checklist criteria

Highlights drawbacks in addition to benefits

Explores support sources/group moderation

Limited (n = 14), homogeneous and highly motivated sample

Most had previous experience of breastfeeding

14 mothers breastfeeding child up to 3 years (UK) Qualitative
Lebron et al. (2020)

Systematic, rigorous analysis using iterative methods

Analyses both questions and responses, offering insight into information sharing without constraint

Demographic data largely unknown

International forum/message board limits generalisability to other SM platforms

No data on behavioural impacts/breastfeeding impacts

Limited to one forum and peer‐only support

258 posts and 1445 corresponding comments (US) Content analysis
Wagg et al. (2019)

Consideration is given to online community context and significance

Useful insight into support‐seeking behaviours

Confounding variables discussed

Data collected over a small timeframe (7 days)

No examination of post quality, experiences or perceptions

501 posts and associated comments. Most from mothers with babies 6 weeks–6 months (UK) Content analysis
Robinson, Lauckner et al. (2019)

Well‐designed study meeting all CASP (2018) checklist criteria

Adds detailed perspectives for this population of mothers not included elsewhere

Detailed discussion of theoretical lens

Includes data related to critique of groups in addition to positive perceptions

Potential selection bias

Generalisability may be limited to the sample demographics

Cross‐sectional design may impact generalisability

22 Black mothers (US) Qualitative
Herron et al. (2015)

Phased mixed methods approach adds to rigour and validity of the analysis

Includes impacts on outcomes and detailed discussion of factors relating to reciprocity

Demographic data are not available

Forum/message board limits generalisability to other SM platforms

Data collected <10 years ago

1230 online messages, online interviews with 12 women (Ireland) Mixed methods concept analysis
Wilson (2020)

Methods enable exploration of social support and modifiable factors over time

Includes detailed discussion of theoretical constructs

Development of predictive model offers framework for future research

Samples were <1 month post‐natal at the time of the first survey and >6 months for the second survey, so responses were subject to endurance, concentration and time factors for large surveys (high attrition rate)

No detail on perceived credibility or quality of groups

241 women from 17 FB BF groups 1230)(US) Longitudinal mixed methods

Abbreviations: ABA, Australian Breastfeeding Association; BF, breastfeeding; CoP, community of practice; FB, Facebook; SM, social media.