JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) is a leading cause of postneonatal death in the United States. Following recommended infant care practices such as safe sleep and breastfeeding reduce the risk of SUID. Parents use social media to help them make decisions about infant care practices.

Objective:

The objective of our qualitative study was to explore mothers’ perspectives about the acceptability of Facebook Private Groups (FBPGs) for providing education on infant care practices.

Methods:

We conducted a descriptive qualitative study recruiting a purposeful sample of pregnant persons and mothers who recently gave birth who were clients of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC) in 2 states. We conducted in-depth interviews which were analyzed inductively through a systematic, iterative process using an interview guide. We asked participants about their perspectives regarding use of FBPGs for learning about infant care practices, including sleep practices and breastfeeding. Data were collected until data sufficiency was reached.

Results:

Of the 22 participants, 59.1% were WIC clients from Rhode Island and 40.9% from Virginia. While the use by participants of Facebook in general varied, all either used, or liked the idea of using specifically FBPGs to disseminate infant care practices guidance about safe sleep and breastfeeding to pregnant persons and new parents. Participants reported using FBPGs for 3 main purposes: 1) information seeking, 2) the experience of engaging in FBPGs, and 3) social connectedness.

Conclusions:

The use of FBPGs was endorsed by the participants for providing mothers with information about infant care practices. Participants outlined their reasons for and experience with the use of FBPGs that can inform effective use of the platform for educational interventions. Clinical Trial: Not applicable