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Hindi Perceived Barriers and Facilitators of Lactation Support Providers in Lebanon with Breastfeeding Support
Abstract
Background: Despite World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, only 15% of infants under 6 months of age in Lebanon are exclusively breastfed. Low breastfeeding rates are attributed to individual, societal, institutional and policy level challenges. As professionals who have received specialized trainings to address the different needs of breastfeeding mothers and infants, lactation support providers prioritize evidence-based practices that are rooted in scientific research, allowing them to provide high quality care that is tailored to the specific needs of each mother and infant. Research question: The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived barriers and facilitators of lactation support providers in delivering evidence-based support to breastfeeding women in Lebanon. Methodology: This qualitative study was conducted with a grounded theory methodological design. In-depth interviews were conducted with 8 lactation support providers across Lebanon. The employment setting of the lactation support providers was in hospital, clinical and in home settings. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results: A range of barriers and facilitators were identified were identified using the different levels of the socio ecological framework: Individual women’s level, community level, institutional level, policy level, and national level barriers and facilitators. Conclusion: Strengthening the profession of lactation support providers requires multi-level changes and interprofessional approaches to support breastfeeding mothers. Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial in integrating lactation support providers to deliver evidence-based support.
