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

ABSTRACT

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.