Implementation of a clinically integrated breastfeeding peer counselor program.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities
• Maternal and Child Health

Background:

• In 2015, publicly insured patients at NorthShore Community Health Center (NSCHC) exhibited lower breastfeeding rates compared to commercially insured patients, reflecting broader US disparities.
• Breastfeeding disparities necessitate targeted interventions to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design and implementation of a clinically-integrated breastfeeding peer counseling (ci-BPC) program.
• To address disparities in breastfeeding rates among publicly insured patients at NSCHC.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Replicating Effective Programs framework for program design and implementation.
• Incorporated patient focus groups and surveys to inform program development.
• Established multidisciplinary clinical support teams to integrate breastfeeding peer counselors (BPCs) into clinic and postpartum workflows.

Main Results:

• The ci-BPC program enhanced breastfeeding intensity and duration through comprehensive support.
• Provided prenatal lactation education, in-hospital lactation care, and on-demand postpartum support to all NSCHC patients.
• Demonstrated potential cost-savings, with a total cost per patient ranging from $297-$386, leading to program sustainability.

Conclusions:

• An evidence-based, multidisciplinary collaboration successfully created a sustainable ci-BPC program.
• The implemented program effectively improved breastfeeding outcomes and addressed health disparities.