Feeding On the Web: Online Social Support in the Breastfeeding Context

Abstract

Breastfeeding has been found to be an influential factor in the health of both mothers and children; despite the benefits, very few women breastfeed beyond the first 3 months of life. One reason for this discrepancy may lie in a lack of social support in various forms. A better understanding of needed support and of ways support is communicated may help to provide such support to women. Little research has investigated social support from a communication perspective in the breastfeeding context, and as more and more women go online for health information during pregnancy and postpartum, the Web becomes a fruitful place for such exploration. The present study details a mixed methods analysis of social support communication via the top online breastfeeding forums. Results and directions for future research in online social support communication in breastfeeding are discussed.