Breastfeeding Support Program Research Articles

Breastfeeding patterns in one-year-old children was not affected by a breastfeeding support intervention

BackgroundBreastfeeding patterns in 12-month-old children play a central role in the mother-infant dyad, but studies describing the patterns are scarce. AimTo investigate breastfeeding patterns in 12-month-old infants before and after a breastfeeding support programme. Study designA baseline/intervention design as part of a larger implementation project aiming to revive the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding programme. SubjectsDuring a 24-h period, 28 mothers from a baseline group and 24 mothers from an intervention group recorded all breastfeeding sessions on a pen and paper form. ResultsThe median (range) frequency of breastfeeding sessions was 6 (1−22) in the baseline group and 7 (1−20) times per 24 h in the intervention group. No significant difference was observed in frequencies between the two groups. The majority of children (57 % in the baseline group and 62 % in the intervention group) exhibited a pattern classified as partial breastfeeding, engaging in breastfeeding 6 or more times per 24 h throughout a substantial part of the day. A second pattern was classified as token breastfeeding, with few breastfeeding sessions, suggesting that breastfeeding occurred primarily for comfort. ConclusionThis study illuminates the breastfeeding behaviours of 12-month-old children and can serve to normalise frequent breastfeeding patterns, potentially aiding mothers who wish to continue breastfeeding beyond infancy. The findings indicate no difference between the groups, suggesting that the implemented intervention did not influence maternal breastfeeding practices at one year of age. This underscores the potential necessity for prolonged support for parents throughout the breastfeeding period.ISRCTN registry: doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN91972905.

Non-medical formula use in newborn infants still common at two Swedish hospitals after a breastfeeding support program.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a breastfeeding support programme on reducing infant formula use and to investigate indications for formula in newborn infants in Sweden. A quasi-experimental study design was carried out. It included 255 mother-infant pairs in a control group, who received standard care and 254 pairs in an intervention group, who took part in a breastfeeding support programme. Data were collected by reviewing patient records from two regional hospitals in Uppsala and Gotland and recruitment took place between 2017 and 2019. Median age of mothers were 31 years (range 20-49) and median gestational age of infants were 39 + 6 weeks/days (range 37 + 0 to 42 + 4). The intervention did not reduce infant formula use. In total, 87/507 (17%) of the infants received formula. Among children receiving formula 30/87 (34%) had a medical indication, whereas 57/87 (66%) had no medical indication. Main reasons for medically indicated formula use were hypoglycaemia, 13/30 (43%), and weight loss, 13/30 (43%). Main reasons for non-medical use were mothers'/parents' wishes, 25/57 (44%) and infants' dissatisfaction, 11/57 (19%). Continued efforts are needed to develop effective breastfeeding interventions with increased focus on infant formula reduction.

Mapping Publication Status and Exploring Hotspots in a Research Field: Breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding has been the subject of scientific studies for many years. Identifying the current trends and hotspots in breastfeeding research can further advance understanding in the field. This study aimed to review the basic and conceptual structure of the literature on breastfeeding from a macro perspective. The dataset for this study included 8,509 articles published between 1980 and 2022 accessed through the Web of Science database. Bibliometric methods were used to assess the growth direction of the literature on breastfeeding, the publication performance by country, influential journals and articles, co-citation networks, and keywords. Research on breastfeeding developed slowly until the 2000s, at which point the speed of growth increased. The United States was the country in which most of the breastfeeding research was produced as well as being at the center of international collaborative networks. An examination of author productivity established that there was no specialization in breastfeeding. The results of citation and keyword analyses demonstrated that the literature on breastfeeding is sensitive to current developments, and the psychological aspects of breastfeeding have been intensively discussed, especially in recent years. Moreover, our results demonstrate that breastfeeding support programs are a distinct area if interest. Despite the abundance of research available, more studies are needed for specialization in this field. This broad overview of the field of breastfeeding research can inform the direction and advancement of the literature.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Interventions to Improve Breastfeeding Rates at Discharge Among Preterm and Low Birth Weight Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: While breast milk is widely accepted as the best source of nutrients for almost all newborns, breastfeeding can be especially challenging for preterm and low birth weight (LBW) infants. With increased risk of admission to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and separation from parents, this population experiences significant barriers to successful breastfeeding. Thus, it is crucial to identify interventions that can optimize breastfeeding for preterm and LBW infants that is continued from birth and admission, through to hospital discharge and beyond. Objectives: To identify and analyze evidence-based interventions that promote any and exclusive breastfeeding among preterm and LBW neonates at discharge and/or postdischarge from hospital. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Searches were performed in the following databases: MEDLINE Ovid, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL). Results: From the 42 studies included, 6 groups of intervention types were identified: educational and breastfeeding support programs, early discharge, oral stimulation, artificial teats and cups, kangaroo mother care (KMC), and supportive policies within NICUs. All groupings of interventions were associated with significantly increased rates of any breastfeeding at discharge. All types of interventions except artificial teats/cups and oral stimulation showed statistically significant increases in exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. KMC demonstrated the highest increased odds of breastfeeding at discharge among preterm and LBW infants. Conclusions: A variety of effective interventions exist to promote breastfeeding among hospitalized preterm and LBW infants. Hospital settings hold unique opportunities for successful breastfeeding promotion. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021252610.

Feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of an innovative postnatal home-based breastfeeding peer support programme in Hong Kong: a feasibility and pilot randomised controlled trial

BackgroundAs suggested by the World Health Organization, breastfeeding peer support is being introduced worldwide to support women’s breastfeeding needs. Evidence has shown that when such support is offered to women, the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding is increased. We developed an innovative home-based intervention to sustain exclusive breastfeeding in Hong Kong. However, potential barriers must be addressed before a full randomised controlled trial (RCT) is conducted. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of a breastfeeding support programme with home-based visits from peer supporters over a six month period among postpartum Chinese women in Hong Kong.MethodsWe conducted a feasibility and pilot randomised controlled trial. Twenty primiparous women intending to breastfeed their healthy term singleton infant were recruited from a hospital in Kowloon, Hong Kong between February and March 2019. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. Participants in the intervention group received five home-based visits with a peer supporter over a six month period, as well as standard care, whereas participants in the control group received standard care only. We assessed feasibility, compliance, and acceptability of the breastfeeding peer support programme. Other outcomes assessed were breastfeeding self-efficacy, duration, and exclusivity.ResultsIt was feasible to recruit and train existing peer supporters, and peer supporters were able to deliver the intervention, which was acceptable to women, but rates of stopping the intervention and loss to follow-up were high. There was higher retention seen within the first month. Women interviewed at the end of the study reported that the intervention was positive. The cessation risk of any, and exclusive breastfeeding were not statistically different between the intervention and control groups.ConclusionsThis study provided valuable information on feasibility of the trial design and intervention. Modifications to the intervention, such as targeting women with lower breastfeeding self-efficacy, or combining home visits with technology and telephone follow-up may be more appropriate in a larger trial. Implementing the programme early during the antenatal phase and tailoring peer support to most appropriately sustain exclusive breastfeeding and other feeding modes should be incorporated in a future home-based peer support arm.Trial registrationNCT03705494 on 15 Oct 2018.

Effectiveness of a breastfeeding program for mothers returning to work in Japan: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundMaternal employment has been described as a barrier to breastfeeding in many countries. In Japan, many mothers quit breastfeeding after returning to work because they do not know how to continue breastfeeding. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a breastfeeding support program for mothers. The secondary objective was to explore the effectiveness of a pamphlet for mothers returning to work.MethodsThis was a quasi-experimental design study with a program group (n = 48), pamphlet group (n = 46) and comparison group (n = 47) that took place from February 2017 to August 2018. Participants in the program and pamphlet groups were women who planned to return to work within 4–12 months after giving birth, while the comparison group included women who had been back at work for at least 3 months. The program involved a 90-min breastfeeding class, a pamphlet, a newsletter, and email consultation. The pamphlet group was sent only the pamphlet, while the comparison group received no intervention. The outcome was breastfeeding continuation rate at 3 months after returning to work.ResultsThe breastfeeding continuation rate 3 months after returning to work was significantly higher in the program group than in the comparison group (79.2% vs. 51.1%, p = 0.004). After adjusting for background factors, the program intervention had an effect on breastfeeding rates (adjusted odds ratio = 4.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.57, 13.96; p = 0.006). However, comparing the pamphlet and comparison groups revealed no significant differences in breastfeeding continuation rates at 3 months after returning to work (69.6% vs. 51.1%, p = 0.07).ConclusionsProgram intervention was associated with a significant increase in breastfeeding continuation rates 3 months after returning to work. Randomized controlled trials are needed to make this program applicable in practice. Pamphlet intervention resulted in no significant difference. Further study is necessary after examining the contents of the pamphlet.

Impact of institutional aspects on breastfeeding for working women: a systematic review

Breastfeeding is considered the ideal feeding method early in life. Despite the scientific evidence, the worldwide prevalence of breastfeeding is low. Maternal work is pointed out as one of the obstacles to maintain this practice. To systematically review studies that evaluated the association between institutional aspects and breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding among working women. A literature search until June 2016 was carried out using PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO (MeSH terms: breastfeeding, workplace and observational study). Eighteen observational studies were included. A positive association with breastfeeding were found for later or not return to work, part-time work, availability or the use of lactation room, breast pumping breaks, professional advice on maintaining breastfeeding after returning to work, and attendance at breastfeeding support program. A negative association with breastfeeding was shown for full-time work. Simple interventions in the workplace and some changes in company policy to encourage breastfeeding can positively influence its maintenance after women return to work.

Effects of a Breastfeeding Support Program on the Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Growth in Late Preterm Infants

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a breastfeeding support program (BSP) on the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and growth in late-preterm infants.MethodsA quasi-experimental study was conducted. The participants were 40 late preterm infants (LPIs), of whom 20 were assigned to the experimental group and 20 to the control group. For the mothers in the experimental group, a BSP was provided prior to the LPIs’ discharge and reinforced once a week for 4 weeks. Information on the feeding type was collected by observation and the LPIs’ body weight was measured.ResultsThere were significant differences in feeding type by group and time. Exclusive breastfeeding was 5.18 times more common in the experimental group than in the control group (odds ratio=5.18, 95% confidence interval=1.11~16.70). However, weekly weight gain did not show a significant relationship with group and time (F=0.40, p=.712).ConclusionThe BSP was helpful for increasing the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in LPIs. Furthermore, the LPIs in the experimental group, which had a higher likelihood of being exclusively breastfed, showed an equivalent amount of weight gain as the LPIs in the control group, in which infants were more likely to be formula-fed.

The effect of a breastfeeding support programme on breastfeeding duration and exclusivity: a quasi-experiment

BackgroundBreastfeeding has important positive long-term health consequences for infants and mothers. The World Health Organization recommends that all infants should be exclusively breastfed for six months or longer, and advises continuation of breastfeeding for two years or beyond. However, these recommendations are not met in many countries. This study examined whether a comprehensive, evidence-based breastfeeding intervention, the Breastfeeding Support Programme (BSP), promotes prolonged duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding among its participants.MethodsA quasi-experimental design was used to compare breastfeeding duration and exclusivity in the BSP group (N = 66) to breastfeeding duration and exclusivity in a control group (N = 72). Participants who followed the BSP were provided with 6 consults delivered by a lactation consultant. The consults started during pregnancy and continued up until 10 weeks after delivery. Participants in the control group did not follow the BSP. Pretest and posttest questionnaires were administered through the internet. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for cessation of any and exclusive breastfeeding, while controlling for differences at baseline.ResultsThe effect of the BSP on survival rates for any and exclusive breastfeeding were significant while controlling for differences between the two groups at baseline (respectively HR = 0.34, p < .001 [95% CI = 0.18–0.61] and HR = 0.46, p < .001 [95% CI = 0.29–0.72]). Among mothers in the BSP group there was on average 66% less risk of cessation of any breastfeeding and on average 54% less risk of cessation of exclusive breastfeeding at any point in time compared to those in the control group.ConclusionsThe BSP appears to be an effective means to delay cessation of any and exclusive breastfeeding cessation and therefore to increase breastfeeding duration and exclusivity. This is an important finding, because earlier cessation of breastfeeding than desired is a common problem in many countries. Future research into the effectiveness of the BSP could consider random assignment to conditions and test the effectiveness of the intervention in other populations to investigate further whether wide-scale implementation of this intervention could be useful to promote breastfeeding.

Impact of maternal nutritional supplementation in conjunction with a breastfeeding support program during the last trimester to 12 weeks postpartum on breastfeeding practices and child development at 30 months old.

BackgroundMaternal nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding is important for the healthy growth and development of the fetus and infant.PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of a maternal milk supplementation (MMS) in conjunction with a breastfeeding support program on breastfeeding practices including duration of any breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding and child neurodevelopment outcomes at 30 months old.MethodsWe followed up the offspring of 204 Vietnamese women who completed a randomized controlled trial where the intervention group received MMS with a breastfeeding support program from the last trimester to 12 weeks postpartum while the control group received standard care. At 30 months postpartum, information on child feeding practices was collected and child neurodevelopment was assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III).ResultsThere was no significant difference in the duration of any breastfeeding (ABF) from birth between the groups. However, the intervention group had longer exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) duration (p = 0.0172), higher EBF rate at 6 months (p = 0.0093) and lower risk of discontinuing EBF (p = 0.0071) than the control. Children in the intervention group had significantly higher Bayley-III composite scores in the domains of cognitive (p = 0.0498) and motor (p = 0.0422) functions, as well as a tendency toward better social-emotional behavior (p = 0.0513) than children in the control group. The association between maternal intervention and child development was attenuated after further adjustment for birth weight but not EBF duration, suggesting that improvements in child development may be partially attributed to the benefits of prenatal nutrition supplementation on birth outcomes.ConclusionsMMS with breastfeeding support during late pregnancy and early postpartum significantly improved EBF practices. The intervention was also associated with improvements in neurodevelopment in children at 30 months old.

The Progress of Breastfeeding Support Programs in the Indian Health Service.

The Progress of Breastfeeding Support Programs in the Indian Health Service.

Factors associated with the iron nutritional status of Brazilian children aged 4 to 7 years

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate factors associated with the iron nutritional status of Brazilian children aged 4 to 7 years in the city of Viçosa, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of 357 children aged 4-7 years who had been followed-up up for during their first six months of life by the Breastfeeding Support Program. Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, feeding practices, nutritional status (height-for-age and body mass index-for-age), and serum ferritin and hemoglobin concentrations were evaluated. Multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to evaluate factors independently associated with iron nutritional status (hemoglobin and ferritin), considering α=0.05 as the significance level. Results The prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency was (34) 9.52% and (11) 11.00%, respectively. The factors independently associated with anemia were younger child age, low maternal education, low height-for-age Z-scores, and children of single and separated mothers or widows. Iron deficiency was associated with child younger age and consumption of chocolates and chocolate flavored milk. Conclusion The results obtained allow us to conclude that anemia among children 4-7 years of age is a public health problem in the city of Viçosa, Minas Gerais. Therefore, there is a need for intervention measures targeting children in this age group. These measures can be implemented through food and nutritional education by encouraging the consumption of iron-rich foods.

Investigating the Effects of Instructing Mothers Using BASNEF Model on Continuing Exclusive Breastfeeding of Late- Preterm Infants

Background: According to the American academy of pediatrics, there is a high correlation between the length of exclusive breastfeeding and increased benefits of mothers and preterm infants. Evidence shows that breastfeeding support programs are effective in prolonging the lactation period, but the effect of these programs on the length of exclusive breastfeeding is not clear. Objectives: The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of education on exclusive breastfeeding continuation in mothers with late- preterm infants. Methods: In this randomized experimental study, 124 mothers of hospitalized late- preterm infants at Fatemiyeh hospital (Hamedan, Iran) were randomly assigned into 2 groups (intervention or control). The data collection instruments included a demographic questionnaire, BASNEF, and checklist for lactation visits, which were required to be completed by mothers in both groups. Moreover, weight gain in infants was measured by researchers before the treatment, and then once a month for a period of 2 months. For mothers in the intervention group, 5 sessions of breastfeeding education on BASNEF model was held during 5 consecutive days. Analyses were conducted using the SPSS 21.0; and a P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Based on the results at the end of the first- and second- month follow-up, there were statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups in lactation performance, knowledge, attitude, subjective norm, assessment of results, and enabling factors of the mothers (P < 0.001). At the end of the first- and second- month follow-up, the difference between intervention and control mothers was statistically significant in exclusive breastfeeding continuation, in frequency of breastfeeding without the use of liquids, and feeding apart from breast milk and formula in day and night (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that breastfeeding instructional sessions were effective in encouraging mothers to continue exclusive breastfeeding the infants by breast milk; thus, it is suggested to encourage mothers to breastfeed based on the BASNEF model.

Impact of maternal nutritional supplementation in conjunction with a breastfeeding support program on breastfeeding performance, birth, and growth outcomes in a Vietnamese population

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal nutritional supplementation (MNS) in conjunction with a breastfeeding support program on birth outcomes and breastfeeding performance. Methods: A total of 228 singleton Vietnamese mothers aged 20–35 years at 26–29 weeks of gestation with pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) < 25.0 kg/m2 were randomized to the intervention (n = 114), receiving MNS (252 kcal/day) daily up to 12 weeks postpartum and four breastfeeding education and support sessions or to the control (n = 114), receiving standards of care. Results: The intervention was 2.09 times more likely to exclusively breastfeed over the 12 weeks than the control (95%CI: 1.05–4.13, p = .0358), after controlling for potential confounders. Infant’s breast milk intake was significantly higher in the intervention than the control among mothers with baseline mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) < 50th (p = .0251). Infants in the intervention had significantly higher birth weight (p = .0312), birth weight-for-age (p = .0141) and birth head circumference-for-age (p = .0487), and higher head circumference-for-age z-score (p = .0183) development over the postnatal period, compared with the control. Conclusions: Use of MNS and breastfeeding support improve birth outcomes and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rate in Vietnamese mothers. Additionally, it promotes breast milk production among mothers with lower baseline MUAC.

Correlation between hemoglobin levels of mothers and children on exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life

ObjectiveTo evaluate the correlation between hemoglobin levels of mothers and their children on exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life. MethodsCross‐sectional study with 221 binomials (mother–child) enrolled in a breastfeeding support program, who were stratified into six groups according to the children's age group. The sample consisted of children born at term with normal weight, with no neonatal complications and whose mothers did not have anemia or infectious disease at the time of data collection. Interviews were carried out with the mothers, blood was collected by peripheral venipuncture from mothers and children, and children's anthropometric data were assessed. Pearson's correlation coefficients between the hemoglobin levels of mothers and children were calculated. Six multiple linear regression models were adjusted with regression coefficient estimates, considering as statistically significant associations with p≤0.05. ResultsThe correlation coefficients of hemoglobin levels of mothers and children ranged from 0.253, at three months, to 0.601, at five months. The hemoglobin level of mothers was correlated with the hemoglobin level of their children at four months (r=0.578) and at five months (r=0.601). In the adjusted multiple linear regression, the regression coefficients were higher at four months (β=1.134; p=0.002) and at five months (β=0.845; p<0.001). ConclusionThese findings allow for the conclusion that there is a correlation between the hemoglobin of mothers and the hemoglobin of their children on exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life.

Correlation between hemoglobin levels of mothers and children on exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life

ObjectiveTo evaluate the correlation between hemoglobin levels of mothers and their children on exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life. MethodsCross-sectional study with 221 binomials (mother–child) enrolled in a breastfeeding support program, who were stratified into six groups according to the children's age group. The sample consisted of children born at term with normal weight, with no neonatal complications and whose mothers did not have anemia or infectious disease at the time of data collection. Interviews were carried out with the mothers, blood was collected by peripheral venipuncture from mothers and children, and children's anthropometric data were assessed. Pearson's correlation coefficients between the hemoglobin levels of mothers and children were calculated. Six multiple linear regression models were adjusted with regression coefficient estimates, considering as statistically significant associations with p≤0.05. ResultsThe correlation coefficients of hemoglobin levels of mothers and children ranged from 0.253, at three months, to 0.601, at five months. The hemoglobin level of mothers was correlated with the hemoglobin level of their children at four months (r=0.578) and at five months (r=0.601). In the adjusted multiple linear regression, the regression coefficients were higher at four months (β=1.134; p=0.002) and at five months (β=0.845; p<0.001). ConclusionThese findings allow for the conclusion that there is a correlation between the hemoglobin of mothers and the hemoglobin of their children on exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life.

Comparing the Breastfeeding Patterns of Nulliparous and Multiparous African-American Women [1B

INTRODUCTION: This research sought to describe associations among parity; demographic factors; and breastfeeding patterns in African-American women and determine their key motivations and impediments for breastfeeding. Parity and demographic factors have been associated with breastfeeding initiation and longevity. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 224 pregnant African-American women (aged 15–42 years) participating in the Meharry Medical College Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Education Intervention Study from 2012-2014 were used to study parity in association with demographic factors (age, education, work status, marital status, income, and health insurance) and breastfeeding patterns (knowledge, barriers, and attitudes). Pearson chi-square tests were used to determine significant associations. The data was also used to probe motivations and impediments for breastfeeding among the women. RESULTS: Parity alone had no statistically significant effect on breastfeeding knowledge, barriers, or attitudes. Breastfeeding knowledge was associated with age (P<.01) in nulliparous women. Breastfeeding barriers were associated with education (P<.01), marital status (P<.05), and income (P<.05) in all women and education (P<.05) and income (P<.05) in multiparous women. Breastfeeding attitudes were associated with education (P<.05) in all women and education (P<.05) and marital status (P<.01) in multiparous women. The top three motivations for breastfeeding were a healthy baby, nutrients, and bonding experience. The top three impediments were emotional issues, negative attitude, and lack of available time to breastfeed. CONCLUSION: Younger, less educated, less wealthy, unmarried African-American women need greater support to improve breastfeeding patterns. Breastfeeding support programs should promote healthy babies, nutrients, and bonding experience; help resolve emotional issues and negative attitudes; and provide time management education.

The Effects of Breastfeeding Support Program on the Attitude and Knowledge of Breastfeeding, Level of Na+ within Milk,and Continued Breastfeeding

The Effects of Breastfeeding Support Program on the Attitude and Knowledge of Breastfeeding, Level of Na+ within Milk,and Continued Breastfeeding

Prioritization of resources for participants in a peer counseling breastfeeding support program.

Peer counseling (PC) breastfeeding support programs have proven effective in increasing breastfeeding duration in low-income women. This study aimed to describe program participants and breastfeeding duration in a PC program according to (1) timing of enrollment (prenatal vs postnatal) and (2) breastfeeding status at program exit (discontinued breastfeeding, exited program while breastfeeding, and completed 1 year program) to improve understanding of how these groups differ and how services might be optimized when resources are limited. This study is a secondary analysis of data from low-income women enrolled in a PC breastfeeding support program. Participant characteristics and breastfeeding duration were described using chi-square tests, analyses of variance, and logistic regression. Postnatal enrollees had longer breastfeeding duration than prenatal enrollees (F < .001) and were more likely to be older, to be married, to be more educated, and to have prior breastfeeding experience (each variable P < .01). Women who withdrew from the program while breastfeeding were more demographically similar to those who discontinued breastfeeding prior to 1 year than to those who continued in the program breastfeeding for 1 year, although they breastfed for significantly longer at exit (mean ± SD = 27.8 ± 14.8 weeks) compared to women who discontinued breastfeeding while in the program (15.7 ± 13.3 weeks) (P < .001). It may be advantageous for peer counselors to direct fewer resources to later postnatal enrollees and more to prenatal or early postnatal enrollees. It may also be advantageous to focus on supporting women at high risk of discontinuation rather than on retaining women who choose to withdraw from the program while breastfeeding.

Developing, Maintaining and Marketing a University Breastfeeding Support Program: A Collaborative Approach

Developing, Maintaining and Marketing a University Breastfeeding Support Program: A Collaborative Approach