Table 1 Sources of behaviour that could be targeted by breastfeeding peer-support and their corresponding COM-B domains
Sources of breastfeeding behaviour: barriers (−) and facilitators (+) | COM-B domain |
|---|---|
Social norms: Bottlefeeding (−) or breastfeeding (+). Includes wider cultural/social norms, and beliefs and attitudes of significant others (e.g. partner, mother, sister) that bottlefeeding (−) or breastfeeding (+) is easier/convenient/healthier/more natural | Opportunity (social) |
Feel comfortable (+) or uncomfortable (−) about breastfeeding in front of others/in public places | Opportunity (social & physical), motivation (automatic & reflective), and capability (psychological) |
Social support: Social isolation (−) or feeling emotionally supported (+) | Opportunity (social) |
Beliefs that bottlefeeding (−) or breastfeeding (+) is easier/ convenient/healthier/more natural. Beliefs/expectations about what is ‘normal’ breastfeeding (e.g. frequency of feeding, or how milk let down feels) | Capability (psychological) |
Planning for bottlefeeding (−) or breastfeeding (+), e.g. buying equipment, formula, clothing | Opportunity (physical), motivation (reflective), capability (psychological) |
Intention to breastfeed: determination to overcome challenges encountered (+) vs. intention to bottlefeed if there are difficulties (−) | Motivation (reflective), capability (psychological) |
Confidence (+) and autonomy (+), e.g. feeling able to try out and find their own techniques for feeding rather than having to stick to ‘textbook’ methods | Motivation (reflective), capability (psychological) |
Positive (+) or negative (−) prior experience of breastfeeding and/or breastfeeding support | Opportunity (physical), capability (psychological), motivation (automatic & reflective) |
Quality of information and advice: Consistent (+) or inconsistent (−), and accurate (+) or inaccurate (−) advice and information from social and professional sources of support | Opportunity (social & physical), motivation (reflective), and capability (psychological) |
Being able (+) or unable (−) to access support services at the right time (e.g. to plan/prepare prior to birth, soon after birth, at crisis points) | Opportunity (physical), capability (psychological & physical) |
Physical factors, e.g. difficult birth (−), hospital environment (−), positioning (+/−), pain (−), latching (+/−), milk supply (+/−), frequent feeding (−), return to work or other separation from baby (−), managing siblings and other demands on time/resources (−), lack of sleep (−), change in routine (−), skin-to-skin contact (+). | Capability (physical & psychological) |