Breastfeeding Peer Support Program Increases Breastfeeding Duration Rates Among Middle- to High-Income Women

Research has shown that women with low socioeconomic status and lack of breastfeeding support often breastfeed for shorter durations. Little research has been done on the effects of a breastfeeding peer support program for women from middle- to high-socioeconomic status.

The objective of this project was to determine whether a breastfeeding peer support program would increase breastfeeding duration rates among middle- to high-socioeconomic status women.

One hundred thirteen women were recruited from local OB/GYN offices to participate in a breastfeeding peer support program that included prenatal visits, phone calls, and anticipatory breastfeeding guidance throughout the infants' first year of life.

Factors associated with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in breastfeeding duration included marital status, mother's ethnicity, mother's medical history, and delivery type. Mothers who remained enrolled in the study had the following breastfeeding duration rates: 85% at 6 months and 65% at 12 months. These are all higher than current national goals and statewide rates.

Results indicate that consistent breastfeeding support during the infants' first year of life may increase breastfeeding duration rates for women of higher socioeconomic status.