Related Experiment Videos
A breast-feeding promotion and support program a randomized trial in The Netherlands
Els J Kools1, Carel Thijs, Arnold D M Kester
1Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. els.anten@epid.unimaas.nl
Preventive Medicine
|November 9, 2004
Summary
A breast-feeding promotion program did not increase the continuation rate of breast-feeding for 3 months in the Netherlands. The intervention group showed a 32% rate, compared to 38% in the control group.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Health Promotion
Background:
- High initial breast-feeding initiation rates in the Netherlands contrast with low continuation rates at 3 months postpartum.
- This highlights a critical gap in sustained breast-feeding support for mothers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive breast-feeding promotion program.
- The program aimed to improve breast-feeding continuation rates to at least 3 months postpartum.
Main Methods:
- A cluster-randomized intervention trial involving 10 child health care centers across three regions.
- Intervention group received enhanced support including counseling, problem management, and lactation consultancy.
- 683 pregnant mothers were enrolled and followed from pregnancy to 6 months postpartum.
Main Results:
- The 3-month breast-feeding continuation rate was 32% in the intervention group.
- The control group achieved a 38% continuation rate.
- The program did not significantly increase breast-feeding continuation (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.58-1.08).
Conclusions:
- The implemented breast-feeding promotion program was not effective in increasing continuation rates.
- Potential improvements include refining caregiver involvement and optimizing the number and duration of postpartum contacts.