A randomized controlled community-based trial to improve breastfeeding rates among urban low-income mothers.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess whether providing a breastfeeding support team results in higher breastfeeding rates at 6, 12, and 24 weeks postpartum among urban low-income mothers.


METHODS



METHODS
A randomized controlled trial with mother-infant dyads recruited from 2 urban hospitals.


METHODS
Breastfeeding mothers of full-term infants who were eligible for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (n=328) were randomized to intervention (n=168) or usual-care group (n=160).


METHODS
The 24-week intervention included hospital visits by a breastfeeding support team, home visits, telephone support, and 24-hour pager access. The usual-care group received standard care.


METHODS
Breastfeeding status was assessed by self-report at 6, 12, and 24 weeks postpartum.


RESULTS
There were no differences in the sociodemographic characteristics between the groups: 87% were African American, 80% single, and 51% primiparous. Compared with the usual-care group, more women reported breastfeeding in the intervention at 6 weeks postpartum, 66.7% vs 56.9% (odds ratio, 1.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-2.76). The difference in rates at 12 weeks postpartum, 49.4% vs 40.6%, and 24 weeks postpartum, 29.2% vs 28.1%, were not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The intervention group was more likely to be breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum compared with the usual-care group, a time that coincided with the most intensive part of the intervention.
York College of Pennsylvania, 17403, USA. lpugh@ycp.edu
Linda C
LC
Pugh
Janet R
JR
Serwint
Kevin D
KD
Frick
Joy P
JP
Nanda
Phyllis W
PW
Sharps
Diane L
DL
Spatz
Renee A
RA
Milligan
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015142:Baltimore; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016015:Logistic Models; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011203:Poverty; D012944:Social Support; D013689:Telephone; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult