Associations Between Peer Counseling and Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration: An Analysis of Minnesota Participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Abstract

Background Peer counseling (PC) has been associated with increased breastfeeding initiation and duration, but few analyses have examined the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) model for peer counseling or the continuation of breastfeeding from birth through 12 months postpartum. Objectives Identify associations between Minnesota WIC Peer Breastfeeding Support Program services and breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Methods Retrospective analysis of observational data from the Minnesota WIC program's administrative database of women who gave birth in 2012 and accepted a PC program referral prenatally (n = 2219). Multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression models examined associations between peer services and breastfeeding initiation and continuation of any breastfeeding. Results Among women who accepted referral into a PC program, odds of initiation were significantly higher among those who received peer services (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.66; 95% CI 1.19-2.32), after adjusting for confounders. Women who received peer services had a significantly lower hazard of breastfeeding discontinuation from birth through 12 months postpartum than women who did not receive services. (Hazard Ratio (HR) month one: 0.45; 95% CI 0.33-0.61; months two through twelve: 0.33; 95% CI 0.18-0.60). The effect of peer counseling did not differ significantly by race and ethnicity, taking into account mother's country of origin. Conclusion for practice Receipt of peer services was positively associated with breastfeeding initiation and continued breastfeeding from birth through 12 months postpartum. Making peer services available to more women, especially in communities with low initiation and duration, could improve maternal and child health in Minnesota.

The effect of peer counseling on breastfeeding behavior of primiparous mothers: A randomized controlled field trial

“…Our results are consistent with the results from the studies of McCoy et al (), Gross et al (), and Srinivas et al () regarding the impact of peer counseling on breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Social support for postpartum women plays a vital role in the decision made by mothers to continue breastfeeding.…”

“…The results showed the positive effect of peer counseling on breastfeeding initiation and continuation from birth to 12 months postpartum. They suggested that providing peer counseling for women, especially in populations that have problems with breastfeeding initiation and duration, can improve the mother and the child's health (McCoy, Geppert, Dech, & Richardson, ). Campbell, Wan, Speck, and Hartig () suggest that future studies include mothers without breastfeeding experience who are supported by peer counseling groups and mothers who do not use peer counseling groups to compare breastfeeding commencement and other related variables (Campbell et al, ).…”

Optimizing Support for Breastfeeding as Part of Obstetric Practice

“…Кроме того, скрининг пациентов с участием женщин, младенцев и детей во время дородовой помощи является важным способом обеспечить грудное вскармливание для многих женщин и семей. Этот тип совместной работы помогает женщинам достичь своих целей в области грудного вскармливания [44].…”

Effectiveness of Peer Counselor Support on Breastfeeding Outcomes in WIC-Enrolled Women

“…Further, the impact of specific WIC BFPC program components on BF initiation and duration as has been relatively understudied. [22][23][24][25] Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the initiation and duration of BF at 30 days among mothers enrolled in an upstate New York WIC program from April 1, 2009 to March 30, 2011, who accepted a BFPC referral, and received different quantities and types of BFPC support (telephone, in-person, and/or mailings).…”