Support groups encourage nursing mothers to breastfeed and this contributes to the reduction of early weaning. A study conducted in São Paulo found that women who did not participate in the breastfeeding incentive program had a higher occurrence of early weaning than those who participated. Other research also conducted in São Paulo showed the importance of a support group for breastfeeding in the community, created by the residents and the healthcare unit staff. Mothers reported that the group meant support, friendship, companionship, and embracement of health professionals, and that without it many would give up breastfeeding in the first days postpartum.