Differential Response to Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Within a Low-Income,Predominantly Latina Population

Abstract

This study aims to identify those most responsive to breastfeeding peer counseling (PC) using data from a US-based randomized trial. The authors ran a series of logistic regression models to identify differential responses to PC, using breastfeeding status at 0, 1, 3, and 6 months postpartum as the dependent variables. Three subgroups were found to be most responsive to breastfeeding PC. Multiparae receiving PC were 6 times more likely to initiate breastfeeding than were multiparous controls (odds ratio [OR] = 6.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9-20.8). Similarly, those with uncertain prenatal breastfeeding intentions in the PC group were 7 times (OR = 7.4; 95% CI = 1.5-37.0) more likely to initiate breastfeeding than their control group counterparts. Among subjects partially breastfeeding on day 1 postpartum, those receiving PC were 12 times (OR = 11.9; 95% CI = 1.2-111.1) more likely to breastfeed through 3 months postpartum than were controls. These findings have important implications to the Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children.

Keywords

peer counseling breastfeeding initiation breastfeeding duration breastfeeding promotion differential response Latino Hispanic

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