Increasing breastfeeding initiation and duration at a community level: an evaluation of Sagkeeng First Nation's community health nurse and peer counselor programs.
The effectiveness of two Sagkeeng First Nation breastfeeding initiatives--prenatal instruction by a community health nurse and a postpartum peer counselor (PC) program for breastfeeding women--was evaluated at a community level through chart audits (1992 to 1997, n = 283). Breastfeeding initiation rates increased from 38% in 1995 to 60% in 1997 (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.1, P = .01, adjusted for birth weight and parity). PC clients were half as likely to wean (RR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.25-0.98, P = .04, adjusted for birth weight and parity), with 61% still breastfeeding at 2 months (vs 48% nonclients) and 56% at 6 months (vs 19%). PC clients had fewer problems (median 1 vs 2, P = .044) and greater satisfaction with breastfeeding (median 5 vs 4, P = .07). Qualitative interviews (n = 22) confirmed PC clients as more satisfied and more confident about breastfeeding, with fewer problems and more information.
Martens
Patricia J
PJ
Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 4th Floor Brodie Centre, Room 408-727, McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3P5, Canada.
D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000379:methods; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016015:Logistic Models; D008350:Manitoba; D009035:Mothers; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology; D010298:Parity; D010379:Peer Group; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012944:Social Support; D013997:Time Factors; D014886:Weaning