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Table 3 Boundaries of peer support models

From: Peer support during pregnancy and early parenthood: a qualitative study of models and perceptions

Befriending models

Mentoring models

Frequent visits (e.g. weekly)

Infrequent visits (e.g. monthly)

More spontaneous interaction during visits

More structured visits sometimes using facilitators or activities; setting and reviewing goals

Allowed to share contact details; volunteer can invite mother to own home

No sharing of personal contact details

Allowed to take own children on visits

Not allowed to involve own children

Allowed to offer direct emotional support, including reassurance, consolation and physical contact

Not allowed to offer direct emotional support

Flexible ending

Defined ending