The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the peer counseling (PC) program on breastfeeding initiation among WIC Program participants in Missouri. Results showed that the breastfeeding initiation rate in PC agencies was significantly higher than the rate in non-PC agencies, among prenatal participants. However, the difference was not significant among postpartum participants. Prenatal participation in the WIC breastfeeding PC program (especially, participation early during pregnancy) was associated with an increased rate of breastfeeding initiation in Missouri.
The objective of this systematic review was to examine the effect of antenatal peer support on rates of breastfeeding initiation. The analysis found that universal antenatal peer support did not appear to improve rates of breastfeeding initiation, but targeted antenatal peer support might be beneficial.
The authors pursued a systematic review of (1) the randomized trials assessing the effectiveness of breastfeeding peer counseling in improving rates of breastfeeding initiation, duration, exclusivity, and maternal and child health outcomes and (2) scientific literature describing the scale-up of breastfeeding peer counseling programs. Evidence from randomized controlled trials indicated that peer counselors effectively improved rates of breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity.
This study identified factors that prevented disadvantaged groups from initiating and successfully breastfeeding, particularly teenage mothers and mothers from low-income groups. researchers found that the disadvantaged mothers might require extra support to overcome problems associated with breastfeeding.
This study examines the effectiveness of a peer counseling breastfeeding support program for low-income women in Michigan who participated in the WIC Program. The support program that the researchers evaluated was very effective at increasing breastfeeding among low-income women who participated in WIC, a population that breastfeeds at rates below the national average.
This study examines Maryland's WIC breastfeeding self-reported initiation rates by participation in one of three groups: (1) peer counselor (PC-treatment) group, (2) lactation consultant (LC) group, and (3) standard care (SC) group. Results showed that the odds of breastfeeding initiation were significantly greater among PC-exposed infants, compared with the reference group of SC infants, but not significantly different between LC and the SC infants. In the Maryland WIC Program, breastfeeding initiation rates were positively associated with peer counseling.
This article examines the progress in breastfeeding support through workplaces, public education, professional education, health system changes, support services, and research. Although there has been considerable progress in breastfeeding support over the past 25 years, significant gaps remain in protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding.
This study investigated whether breastfeeding peer supporters might offer additional benefits to breastfeeding women and their families, beyond increasing breastfeeding initiation and duration. The findings suggested that breastfeeding peer supporters might have a positive impact on several aspects of families; lives, including improved mental health, increased self-esteem or confidence, and improved family diet.
This study reviewed the literature describing Hispanic breastfeeding beliefs, attitudes, and practices in the US. The study reported that breastfeeding initiation rates are high among Hispanics living in the US. Newly immigrated women initiated and continued to breastfeed longer than did more acculturated women.
This study examines how breastfeeding behaviors, perceptions, and experiences vary by race and ethnicity among a low-income sample in the US. The authors concluded that although breastfeeding initiation rates approached the Healthy People 2010 goals, breastfeeding duration remained far below these goals. Racial and ethnic differences in experiences related to breastfeeding cessation suggested that culturally sensitive breastfeeding interventions were necessary.
