Evaluation of an Initiative to Increase Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Rural Hispanic Women

Abstract

Background: There is a growing Hispanic population in the U.S. healthcare providers, and lactation consultants are challenged to design targeted, culturally competent programs to support immigrant populations.Objective: To evaluate a prenatal education program using intercultural communication strategies designed to increase the number of Hispanic women who choose to exclusively breastfeed their newbornsMethods: A 2-group quasi-experimental design was used to test the educational intervention. The sample consisted of 71 Hispanic women who were pregnant, low income, and uninsured. Participation in the class was voluntary and used a convenience sample. Data regarding intention to breastfeed and breastfeeding during hospitalization was gathered through chart review.Results: Reaching statistical significance, 41% of the mothers who attended the educational intervention achieved exclusive breastfeeding at discharge from the hospital, compared to only 3.1% of the usual care group.Conclusions: The outcomes of this program evaluation can add to the body of knowledge on successful breastfeeding interventions in the Hispanic population and may provide a model for others who are designing culturally competent interventions in their communities.