In‐person versus phone contacts have most impact on breastfeeding success in a peer breastfeeding support program for low income mothers

Abstract

Breastfeeding peer counselor (PC) programs for low income women have been implemented nationwide, but evidence is limited on the effectiveness of in‐person versus phone contacts.OBJECTIVETo determine the impact of in‐person and phone contacts in a PC program on breastfeeding duration in low‐income women.METHODSData was collected for 12,939 women in Michigan's Breastfeeding Initiative Program from 2005–2011. β co‐efficients were calculated from linear regression to determine the impact of program contacts on total and exclusive breastfeeding duration among participants enrolled prenatally or postnatally.RESULTSAdjusted β values represents weeks of increased breastfeeding by each additional contact. Durationa Exclusive Duration Prenatal (n= 4241) ≤ 4 wks Postnatal (n= 3806) >; 4 wks Postnatal (n= 1434) Prenatal (n=37 48) ≤ 4 wks Postnatal (n= 4626) >; 4 wks Postnatal (n= 1480) Hospital Any vs. None 3.2* 0.7 0.2 2.8* −0.06 −0.8 Home 2.1* 2.5* 1.7* 0.9* 0.9* 0.2 Phone 1.8* 2.0* 1.7* 0.8* 0.8* 0.7* p < 0.05 comparing β to 0. Results adjusted for maternal education, race, residence (size of city), and marital status CONCLUSIONSThe results suggest in‐person contacts are very important to improving breastfeeding durations, especially for those able to enroll prior to birth. Further analysis is needed to determine the appropriate mix of contacts that is both effective and cost‐efficient.Grant Funding Source: Kellogg Foundation