An Integrated Model of Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Support is Feasible and Associated with Improved Exclusive Breastfeeding.

Background Though in-person contacts in the home have demonstrated efficacy in improving breastfeeding outcomes in peer counseling programs, home contacts are resource-intensive. Objective To compare the feasibility and effectiveness of an Integrated Model of peer counseling breastfeeding support characterized by select home visits augmented with individual WIC clinic visits and group education, in contrast to the Standard Model which includes a standard number of in-person home contacts. Methods Six counties (n = 226 participants) and nine counties (n = 472 participants) were assigned to the Standard Model and the Integrated Model, respectively.

Characteristics associated with longer breastfeeding duration: an analysis of a peer counseling support program.

Breastfeeding peer counseling support programs for low-income women have been implemented across the United States. Data from one such program were used to examine participant and program characteristics, of those enrolled prenatally (n = 2168) or postnatally (n = 2899), and to determine how these characteristics affected breastfeeding outcomes. Shorter breastfeeding duration was significantly predicted by introduction of formula on day 1 postpartum in participants enrolled prenatally (-37.