Grandparents’ and great-grandparents’ knowledge, attitude and experiences supporting breastfeeding: A non-experimental study

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Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding has many health benefits for babies and mothers, but many families face challenges in meeting breastfeeding recommendations. Grandparents often influence new parents’ infant feeding experiences, yet little is known about their knowledge, attitudes, experiences, and needs regarding supporting breastfeeding in Canada. Purpose: This non-experimental exploratory descriptive study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of grandparents and great-grandparents in supporting breastfeeding to inform intergenerational breastfeeding promotion programs. Methods: An online survey was completed by 111 grandparents and great-grandparents living in Canada. Results: Approximately, 96% of participants had one or more children that were breastfed and 53% had a child breastfeed for over 24 months. The mean knowledge score was 78, (S.D 5.5) and the mean attitude score was 69.7 (S.D 8.71). These scores were significantly positively correlated and higher among participants who had received breastfeeding education (p=0.01). Conclusion: Grandparents and great-grandparents want information tailored to their role in supporting breastfeeding. Providing them with accessible, trustworthy, and respectful education tailored to their experiences would assist with the provision of inclusive intergenerational family-centered care.

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