Peer Support and Breastfeeding Practices Among Postpartum Mothers in Selected Cities of Negros Occidental, Philippines

Billy Santos; Kristine Condes

Authors

Billy T. Santos, Jr. State University of Northern Negros Author
Kristine A. Condes, PhD State University of Northern Negros Author

Keywords:

breastfeeding practices, exclusive breastfeeding, maternal health commas peer support, postpartum mothers

Abstract

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal method for infant nutrition, immunity, and development; however, sustaining recommended practices remains a challenge in many settings. This study examined the relationship between peer support and breastfeeding practices among postpartum mothers in selected cities of Negros Occidental, Philippines. A quantitative correlational design using a survey method was employed. A total of 120 postpartum mothers were selected through purposive sampling based on defined inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire measuring breastfeeding practices (early initiation, exclusivity, and duration) and peer support intervention (participation, sources, frequency, and perceived helpfulness). Descriptive statistics and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient were used for analysis. Findings revealed that breastfeeding practices were generally high, with strong performance in early initiation and exclusivity, but moderate in duration. Peer support intervention was moderate overall, with higher ratings in helpfulness and types of support, but lower in participation and accessibility. Significant positive relationships were found between peer support and breastfeeding practices, particularly in exclusivity and duration. The study concludes that peer support plays a significant role in improving breastfeeding outcomes. Strengthening community-based peer support systems through structured and accessible interventions is recommended.

References

Abrmanová, M., Brabcová, I., Tóthová, V., & Červený, M. (2023). Social predictors of breastfeeding and the impact of interventions on breastfeeding of preterm infants: A longitudinal study. European Journal of Midwifery, 7(December), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.18332/ejm/174125

Amodia, M. a. M., & Demontaño, S. (2025). Barriers and Enablers to breastfeeding among Mothers in General Santos City: a cross-sectional study. Research Square (Research Square). https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6932181/v1

Andal-Saniano, A. C., Marquez, M. K. I., Medina, H. M. R., & Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center. (2024). How to conduct and write a cross-sectional study. In The Filipino Family Physician (Vols. 62–62, Issue 1). https://thepafp.org/journal/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/PAFP-Journal-62-1_31-40.pdf

Bengough, T., Dawson, S., Cheng, H., McFadden, A., Gavine, A., Rees, R., Sacks, E., & Hannes, K. (2022). Factors that influence women’s engagement with breastfeeding support: A qualitative evidence synthesis. Maternal and Child Nutrition, 18(4). https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.13405

Beyene, B. N., Wako, W. G., Moti, D., Edin, A., & Debela, D. E. (2025). Postnatal counseling promotes early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding: a randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Nutrition, 12, 1473086. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1473086

Blanco, S., Aboul-Enein, B. H., Benajiba, N., & Dodge, E. (2024). A scoping review of breastfeeding interventions and programs conducted across Spanish-Speaking countries. Health Promotion Practice, 26(1), 168–191. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248399241237950

Bürger, B., Schindler, K., Tripolt, T., Griesbacher, A., Stüger, H. P., Wagner, K., Weber, A., & Wolf-Spitzer, A. (2022). Factors Associated with (Exclusive) Breastfeeding Duration—Results of the SUKIE-Study. Nutrients, 14(9), 1704. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14091704

Can, V., Bulduk, M., Can, E. K., & Ayşin, N. (2025). Impact of social support and breastfeeding success on the self-efficacy levels of adolescent mothers during the postpartum period. Reproductive Health, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-025-01960-z

Chapman, D. J., Morel, K., Anderson, A. K., Damio, G., & Pérez-Escamilla, R. (2010). Review: Breastfeeding Peer Counseling: From Efficacy through Scale-Up. Journal of Human Lactation, 26(3), 314–326. https://doi.org/10.1177/0890334410369481

Chehreh, R., Zahrani, S. T., Karamelahi, Z., & Baghban, A. A. (2021). Effect of peer support on breastfeeding self-efficacy in ilamian primiparous women. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 10(9), 3417–3423. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_172_21

Evans, R., Donaldson, C., Aslam, R., Kirby, J., Robinson, S., Clarke, J., Hanley, S. J., Lee, S. I., Chandan, J. S., Garside, R., Thompson‐Coon, J., Jolly, K., Maguire, K., Harrison, S., & Melendez‐Torres, G. J. (2025). Peer support and community interventions targeting breastfeeding in the UK: Systematic review of qualitative evidence to identify inequities in participants’ experiences. Maternal and Child Nutrition, 21(4), e70041. https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.70041

García-Fernández, N. R., Rodríguez-Llagüerri, N. S., Presado, N. M. H., Baixinho, N. C. L., Martín-Vázquez, N. C., & Liebana-Presa, N. C. (2023). AUTOEFICACIA EN LA LACTANCIA MATERNA y APOYO SOCIAL: UN ESTUDIO DE REVISIÓN SISTEMÁTICA. New Trends in Qualitative Research, 18, e875. https://doi.org/10.36367/ntqr.18.2023.e875

Gonzales, A. M. (2020). Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy of early postpartum mothers in an urban municipality in the Philippines. DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), 4(4), 135–143. https://doi.org/10.31372/20190404.1023

Guirindola, M., Maniego, M. L., Gaya, K. F., & Acuin, C. C. (2017). Determinants of breastfeeding initiation and its association with breastfeeding practice of Filipino children aged 0–23 months. Acta Manilana, 65, 17–28. https://doi.org/10.53603/actamanil.65.2017.dulm4990

Hassan, M. S., & Hossain, M. M. (2023). Challenges for influencing exclusive breastfeeding practice among lactating mothers with infants aged 0–6 months in Borama District, Somaliland: A cross‐sectional study. Health Science Reports, 6(11). https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.1693

Hassounah, M., Dabbagh, R., & Younis, A. (2023). Is the Frequency of Postpartum Breastfeeding Counseling Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding at Six Months? An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study. Children, 10(7), 1141. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071141

Huang, R., Han, H., Ding, L., Zhou, Y., Hou, Y., Yao, X., Cai, C., Li, X., Song, J., Zhang, S., & Jiang, H. (2023). Using the theory of planned behavior model to predict factors influencing breastfeeding behavior among preterm mothers at week 6 postpartum: the mediating effect of breastfeeding intention. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1228769

Ikonen, R., & Niela-Vilen, H. (2025). Feasibility of the breastfeeding peer support application—perspectives of peer supporters and breastfeeding mothers. International Breastfeeding Journal, 20(1), 93. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-025-00785-7

Islam, K. F., Awal, A., Mazumder, H., Munni, U. R., Majumder, K., Afroz, K., Tabassum, M. N., & Hossain, M. M. (2023). Social cognitive theory-based health promotion in primary care practice: A scoping review. Heliyon, 9(4), e14889. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14889

Ismail, T. a. T., Muda, W. a. M. W., & Bakar, M. I. (2016). The extended Theory of Planned Behavior in explaining exclusive breastfeeding intention and behavior among women in Kelantan, Malaysia. Nutrition Research and Practice, 10(1), 49. https://doi.org/10.4162/nrp.2016.10.1.49

Jolly, K., Ingram, L., Khan, K., Deeks, J., Freemantle, N., & MacArthur, C. (2012). Systematic review of peer support for breastfeeding continuation: metaregression analysis of the effect of setting, intensity, and timing. Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE): Quality-assessed Reviews - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK84697/

Kaunonen, M., Hannula, L., & Tarkka, M. (2012). A systematic review of peer support interventions for breastfeeding. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(13–14), 1943–1954. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2012.04071.x

Kavle, J. A., LaCroix, E., Dau, H., & Engmann, C. (2017). Addressing barriers to exclusive breast-feeding in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and programmatic implications. Public Health Nutrition, 20(17), 3120–3134. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1368980017002531

Khatib, M. N., Gaidhane, A., Upadhyay, S., Telrandhe, S., Saxena, D., Simkhada, P. P., Sawleshwarkar, S., & Quazi, S. Z. (2023). Interventions for promoting and optimizing breastfeeding practices: An overview of systematic review. Frontiers in Public Health, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.984876

Kyulu, T. M., Ngure, K., & Mutai, J. (2025). Effect of peer support group in sustaining exclusive breastfeeding practice among women of reproductive age, Kenya. International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 12(10), 4341–4347. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20253230

Mallick, L. M., & Shenassa, E. D. (2024). Variation in Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration by Mode of Childbirth: A Prospective, Population-Based Study. Breastfeeding Medicine, 19(4), 262–274. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2023.0180

Mannan, I., Rahman, S. M., Sania, A., Seraji, H. R., Arifeen, S. E., Winch, P. J., Darmstadt, G. L., & Baqui, A. (2008). Can early postpartum home visits by trained community health workers improve breastfeeding of newborns? Journal of Perinatology, 28(9), 632–640. https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2008.64

Mavranezouli, I., Rajesh, S., Deshpande, S., Swanson, V., Wright, C., Ross, S., Sibson, V. L., McLean, K., Kambo, A., Fisher, S., Muller, P., & Kallioinen, M. (2025). The cost-effectiveness of education and support group interventions aimed at promoting breastfeeding. European Journal of Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckaf172

Mog, C., Luwang, N., & Das, S. (2021). A Comparative Cross Sectional Study on Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Its Associated Factors among Primiparous and Multiparous Mothers in an Urban Slum, Agartala, Tripura, Northeast India. Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, 9(3), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.22038/jmrh.2021.52088.1645

Monemnasi, D. (2023). Mother Support Group helps improve the nutritional status of children and mothers: Improving the nutritional status of children and mothers in the Special Administrative Region Oe-Cusse (RAEOA). https://www.unicef.org. Retrieved October 6, 2025, from https://www.unicef.org/timorleste/stories/mother-support-group-helps-improve-nutritional-status-children-and-mothers

Nayebinia, A., Faroughi, F., Asadi, G., & Fathnezhad-Kazemi, A. (2024). Factors affecting breastfeeding self-efficacy among mothers with preterm infants. Women S Health, 20. https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057241305297

Nutrition International. (2021, May 5). Mothers tap into the power of peer support. https://www.nutritionintl.org/. Retrieved October 6, 2025, from https://www.nutritionintl.org/news/all-field-stories/mother-to-mother-support-groups-philippines/#:~:text=encourages%20the%20women%20to%20share%20their%20lived%20experiences

Omaña, A. S. (2025, July 3). DOST-FNRI unveils 2023 Filipinos state of health and nutrition. https://www.dost.gov.ph/. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://www.dost.gov.ph/knowledge-resources/news/86-2025-news/4067-dost-fnri-unveils-2023-filipinos-state-of-health-and-nutrition.html

Onwuka, C. I. (2022). A Cross-Sectional study of determinants of exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers in Enugu. Journal of West African College of Surgeons, 12(2), 75–80. https://doi.org/10.4103/jwas.jwas_102_22

Pereira-Kotze, C., Zambrano, P., Nguyen, T. T., Datu-Sanguyo, J., Vu, D., Ching, C., Cashin, J., & Mathisen, R. (2025). Evidence-Based Lessons from Policy Implementation Research in Two Countries Achieving Progress on Global Breastfeeding Targets: Recommendations from the Philippines and Viet Nam. Healthcare, 13(5), 544. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13050544

Pérez-Guerrero, E. E., Guillén-Medina, M. R., Márquez-Sandoval, F., Vera-Cruz, J. M., Gallegos-Arreola, M. P., Rico-Méndez, M. A., Aguilar-Velázquez, J. A., & Gutiérrez-Hurtado, I. A. (2024). Methodological and statistical considerations for Cross-Sectional, Case–Control, and cohort studies. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(14), 4005. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13144005

Philippine Health Research Ethics Board, Ad Hoc Committee for Updating the National Ethical Guidelines, BONGALA, S. E., MUYOT, A. T., AQUINO, C. C., AYA-AY, A. T. P., MANALASTAS, R. M., JR., BALEIN, G. N., AUSTE, C. V., ASUNCION, P. J. V., MONTOYA, J. C., & DE CASTRO, L. D. (2022). NATIONAL ETHICAL GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN PARTICIPANTS. Philippine Council for Health Research and Development.

Predictors of non-exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months among rural mothers in east Ethiopia: a community-based analytical cross-sectional study. (n.d.). springermedizin.de. https://www.springermedizin.de/predictors-of-non-exclusive-breastfeeding-at-6-months-among-rura/9628146

Rodríguez-Gallego, I., Corrales-Gutierrez, I., Gomez-Baya, D., & Leon-Larios, F. (2024). Effectiveness of a postpartum breastfeeding support group intervention in promoting exclusive breastfeeding and perceived Self-Efficacy: a multicentre randomized clinical trial. Nutrients, 16(7), 988. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16070988

Rodríguez-Gallego, I., Leon-Larios, F., Corrales-Gutierrez, I., & González-Sanz, J. D. (2021). Impact and Effectiveness of Group Strategies for Supporting Breastfeeding after Birth: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(5), 2550. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052550

Sadeghi, F., Zarifnejhad, G., Ramezani, M., & Jamali, J. (2021). The effect of Breastfeeding Training based on the theory of planned Behavior on the continuation of exclusive breastfeeding in Drug-Dependent Mothers: a randomized clinical trial. International Journal of Women S Health and Reproduction Sciences, 11(4), 182–190. https://doi.org/10.15296/ijwhr.2023.46

Samaniego, J. a. R., Maramag, C. C., Castro, M. C., Zambrano, P., Nguyen, T. T., Datu-Sanguyo, J., Cashin, J., Mathisen, R., & Weissman, A. (2022). Implementation and effectiveness of policies adopted to enable breastfeeding in the Philippines are limited by structural and individual barriers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(17), 10938. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710938

Saniel, O. P., Pepito, V. C. F., & Amit, A. M. L. (2021). Effectiveness of peer counseling and membership in breastfeeding support groups in promoting optimal breastfeeding behaviors in the Philippines. International Breastfeeding Journal, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-021-00400-5

Setia, M. (2016). Methodology series module 3: Cross-sectional studies. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(3), 261. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182410

Shahrani, A. S. A., Hushan, H. M., Binjamaan, N. K., Binhuwaimel, W. A., Alotaibi, J. J., & Alrasheed, L. A. (2021). Factors associated with early cessation of exclusive breast feeding among Saudi mothers. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 10(10), 3657–3663. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_852_21

Shakya, P., Kunieda, M. K., Koyama, M., Rai, S. S., Miyaguchi, M., Dhakal, S., Sandy, S., Sunguya, B. F., & Jimba, M. (2017). Effectiveness of community-based peer support for mothers to improve their breastfeeding practices: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 12(5), e0177434. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0177434

Shin, H. (2024). Global breastfeeding efforts: a long way to go. Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics, 68(4), 300–302. https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2024.01361

Simoni, J. M., Franks, J. C., Lehavot, K., & Yard, S. S. (2011). Peer interventions to promote health: Conceptual considerations. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 81(3), 351–359. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-0025.2011.01103.x

Social Cognitive Theory Model - Rural Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Toolkit. (n.d.). https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/health-promotion/2/theories-and-models/social-cognitive

Soharwardi, M. A., Malik, N. I., Anjum, R., Haleem, M. S., Leghari, I. U., Ahmad, J. B., Maryam, R., Nazir, M., Fatima, S., Ahmed, F., & Tang, K. (2025). Role of Maternal Empowerment in Addressing Child Malnutrition: Evidence from Asian Developing Countries. Children, 12(5), 597. https://doi.org/10.3390/children12050597

Undlien, M., Viervoll, H., & Rostad, B. (2017). Effect of mother support groups on nutritional status in children under two years of age in Laisamis village, Kenya. African Health Sciences, 16(4), 904. https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v16i4.4

UNICEF & WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. (2024). GLOBAL BREASTFEEDING SCORECARD 2024. In Meeting the Global Target for Breastfeeding Requires Bold Commitments by Governments and Donors (p. 2).

Wen, J., Yu, G., Kong, Y., Wei, H., Zhao, S., & Liu, F. (2021). Effects of a theory of planned behavior-based intervention on breastfeeding behaviors after cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 8(2), 152–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2021.03.012

Whittaker, X., Meedya, S., & Capper, T. (2025). Factors and interventions that positively influence breastfeeding rates at six months postpartum: An integrative literature review. Women and Birth, 38(3), 101904. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2025.101904

World Health Organization: WHO. (2019, November 11). Breastfeeding. https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Yamashita, T., Tuliao, M. T. R., Meana, M. C., Suplido, S., Llave, C., Tanaka, Y., & Matsuo, H. (2017). Utilization of healthcare services in postpartum women in the Philippines who delivered at home and the effects on their health: a cross-sectional analytical study. International Journal of Women S Health, Volume 9, 695–700. https://doi.org/10.2147/ijwh.s141689

Yang, Y., Liu, H., Cui, X., & Meng, J. (2024). Mothers’ experiences and perceptions of breastfeeding peer support: a qualitative systematic review. International Breastfeeding Journal, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-024-00614-3

Yang, Y., Liu, H., Cui, X., & Meng, J. (2024). Mothers’ experiences and perceptions of breastfeeding peer support: a qualitative systematic review. International Breastfeeding Journal, 19(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-024-00614-3

Yazdanpanah, F., Nasirzadeh, M., Ahmadinia, H., Abdolkarimi, M., & Askari, F. (2024). Effectiveness of educational intervention based on the extended theory of planned behavior on exclusive breastfeeding. In Journal of Research & Health (Vols. 14–14, Issue 6, pp. 555–566). http://dx.doi.org/10.32598/JRH.14.6.2384.1

Zhang, Y., Yuan, R., & Ma, H. (2021). Effect of the theory of planned behavior on primipara breastfeeding. Annals of Palliative Medicine, 10(4), 4547–4554. https://doi.org/10.21037/apm-21-255

Peer Support and Breastfeeding Practices Among Postpartum Mothers in Selected Cities of Negros Occidental, Philippines

Authors

Keywords:

Abstract

References

Downloads

Published

Issue

Section

License

How to Cite

INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF RESEARCH FOR INNOVATION, SUSTAINABILITY, AND EXCELLENCE (IMJRISE)