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.