breastfeeding

CHW Support Infant Nutrition and Breastfeeding Among Latinas in Los Angeles County: Salud con Hyland’s

Health Care Women Int. 2014 Mar 13. [Pubmed Abstract]

Engaging Community With Promotores de Salud to Support Infant Nutrition and Breastfeeding Among Latinas Residing in Los Angeles County: Salud con Hyland’s
Rios-Ellis B, Nguyen-Rodriguez ST, Espinoza L, Galvez G, Garcia-Vega M

The Salud con Hyland’s Project: Comienzo Saludable, Familia Sana (Health with Hyland’s Project: Healthy Start, Healthy Family) was developed to provide education and support to Latina mothers regarding healthy infant feeding practices and maternal health. The promotora-delivered intervention was comprised of two charlas (educational sessions) and supplemental culturally and linguistically relevant infant feeding and care rolling calendar. Results indicate that the intervention increased intention of breastfeeding exclusivity as well as delay in infant initiation of solids through 5 to 6 months. Qualitative feedback identified barriers to maternal and child health education as well as highlighted several…

Peer Counselors Reduce Mortality and Morbidity Rates for Mothers and Children in Rural Malawi

Effect of women’s groups and volunteer peer counselling on rates of mortality, morbidity, and health behaviours in mothers and children in rural Malawi (MaiMwana): a factorial, cluster-randomised controlled trial

Lewycka S, Mwansambo C, Rosato M, Kazembe P, Phiri T, Mganga A, Chapota H, Malamba F, Kainja E, Newell ML, Greco G, Pulkki-Brännström AM, Skordis-Worrall J, Vergnano S, Osrin D, Costello A

This study assessed the effect of women’s groups and peer counselors on mortality and breastfeeding rates in rural Malawi.

The investigators conducted a 2×2 factorial, cluster-randomised trial in 185,888 people in Mchinji district. 24 facilitators guided groups through a community action cycle to tackle maternal and child health problems. 72 trained volunteer peer counsellors made home visits at five timepoints during pregnancy and after birth to support breastfeeding and infant care. Primary outcomes for the women’s group intervention were maternal, perinatal, neonatal, and…

Systematic Review of Peer Support and Breastfeeding

Kaunonen and colleagues completed a systematic review to describe peer support interventions in Europe, North America, Australia or New Zealand supporting breastfeeding during pregnancy and the postnatal period. Individual support and education were most frequently used during pregnancy, hospitalization and the postnatal period.  The authors concluded that only continuous breastfeeding support produces effective results and the role of peer support is most important during the postnatal period.

Journal of Clinical Nursing, July 2012 [Full Abstract]