Designing an eHealth Breastfeeding Resource With Young Mothers Using a Participatory Design.

INTRODUCTION: Breastfeeding rates among young mothers are low and do not meet recommendations from health authorities, putting the health of young mothers and their infants at risk. Young mothers require breastfeeding support that meets their learning needs and preferred mode for accessing information. The objective of this study was to work collaboratively with young mothers in order to cocreate an eHealth breastfeeding resource. METHODOLOGY: A three-phase exploratory study was conducted in Ontario, Canada. In Phases I and II, young mothers and health care providers (HCPs) were recruited and preferences for an eHealth breastfeeding resource were explored. In Phase III, feedback from young mothers and HCPs about the new resource was collected. RESULTS: Participants found the breastfeeding eHealth resource visually appealing, engaging, and informative. DISCUSSION: Cocreating a tailored breastfeeding eHealth resource with young mothers and HCPs using a participatory approach ensured that the resource design and content met the learning needs of young mothers.

Adolescent Mothers' Perceptions of a Mobile Phone-Based Peer Support Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) is prevalent among adolescent mothers and is associated with negative maternal and infant outcomes. Peer support can improve health outcomes among adult and adolescent populations and involves the provision of informational, emotional, and appraisal support delivered by a peer. PURPOSE: To describe adolescent mothers' perceptions of a mobile phone-based peer support (MPPS) intervention designed to prevent PPD. METHODS: This analysis draws on data from the MPPS intervention group of a pilot randomized controlled trial of pregnant adolescents 17 to 24 years old (n = 16). Maternal perceptions of the intervention were measured using the validated Peer Support Evaluation Inventory at 12 weeks postpartum. RESULTS: Participants acknowledged receiving supportive actions including emotional (91%), informational (66%), and appraisal (64%) support. Participants perceived positive relationship qualities with their peer mentor such as trustworthiness (94%), acceptance (75%), empathy (81%), and commitment (81%) and felt their peer mentor possessed social competence (91%) and social skills (91%). Overall, 100% of participants were satisfied with their peer support experience and would recommend this type of support to a friend. CONCLUSION: Participants perceived their experience with the MPPS intervention positively, which lends support to MPPS as an acceptable way to provide support to adolescent mothers.