New research published by Cardiff University and The Breastfeeding Network highlights inequity of access to breastfeeding support for families across England and Wales.
This research looks at data from local authorities, CCGs, health boards, infant feeding leads, peer supporters and service-users on breastfeeding support services. The need to value breastfeeding support (including peer support) at all levels has been a key finding.
“Almost all IFLs in England and Wales agreed or strongly agreed that health professionals valued peer support, despite the broad range of levels of provision across different areas suggesting that ‘peer support’ varies widely. In both areas with a commissioned peer support service and those without, 90% felt that peer support complements the work of health professionals in their breastfeeding support role. Almost half in England stated that health professionals felt confident about referring into peer support services for more challenging issues. The stated benefits of peer support were echoed in England and Wales and included a range of outcomes beyond increases in breastfeeding rates, including normalising breastfeeding in public and challenging community-level attitudes, providing emotional as well as practical support and being a valued form of social engagement.”
High-level investments are needed across England and Wales to ensure that there is equity of access to breastfeeding support.
Key findings:
- There is a pattern of decreased funding since 2015 across England and loss of
commissioned/funded peer support services across Wales - Peer support is seen as part of an overall strategic approach to improving breastfeeding experiences, including addressing norms and low breastfeeding rates in some areas
- However, the perception of peer support as an undervalued service is likely to persist unless a clear funding pathway, with dedicated allocation of spending, is identified
Recommendations:
- Provide ring-fenced, allocated funding for peer support when part of a wider contract such as 0-19 services
- Commission services to address equity of access to peer support and to stabilise current peer support
- Reduce reliance on volunteer-led community groups in unfunded areas to address practical barriers to access
- Diversify recruitment of peer supporters
- Better integrate peer support with local health teams, increasing awareness of what peer support can offer among health professionals