Peers boost breastfeeding among low-income women

[annettemarie]

http://today.reuters.co.uk/News/news...-INCOME-DC.XML

Low-income women may be more likely to breastfeed their infants if they get a little encouragement from their peers, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that a peer-counseling program boosted rates of exclusive breastfeeding among low-income, predominantly Hispanic women who gave birth at one urban hospital. Compared with new mothers not involved in the program, these women were 15 times more likely to give their infants only breast milk for the first 3 months of life.

[soccerchic21]

Well yeah people!

[becca011906]

I have been working as a peer counselor for our WIC office that of course works with low income families. Our area is very rual area that hasn't had a peer counselor in this area for a long time if ever! So after working for 6 months our numbers came in and our breastfeeding #s went from 47% to 52% of moms who start or try to BF. It's a start, these #s are only moms who start or try and i'm sure our #s drop much much more then even the nations #s for the 6 month mark and especially the 1 year mark, i think i make up the .5% of moms in my area that breastfeed past 1 year, which is sad but it's a change that is slowly increasing!

[Sharlla]

I know that I feel so much more comfortable NIP now that I have friends that NIP too.

[lilsishomemade]

Oh, no kidding! I know it's hard to keep going sometimes, when you are asking friends for advice, and all they say is, "I dunno, I just gave her a bottle...."

[MoeInfinity]

Becca--Remember, evey little bit matters. As one of my colleagues in my social work world says, incremental change is the only kind of change that lasts. Keep on doing what you are doing--you will make a difference.

Annemarie-- Thanks for the info. I wish every WIC office would really put that kind of research into practice. I also kind of wish that LLL would become a little bit more active in some areas--established chapters giving some areas resources or help in getting their own chapters, peer-groups etc. started. What works out the burbs doesn't always work in other areas of town or with different populations. (for the record , I am a member, and know that LLL has peer counseling "training" available--but, with the cost of the training, etc. I wonder how accessible of a pathway that is--I'm petty sure don't peer counselors aren't available in my area--either through WIC or LLL).

Tracy

[charmcitymama]

How does one become a peer conselor for WIC or the hospital?
I would love to do that!
Not so much with the general public or for a job, but, that would be a wonderful way to volunteer.

[bobandjess99]

a friend of mine just went to WIC to volunteer to be a peer counselor because she is considering pursuing a IBCLC and is trying to get a feel for it....she just went to WIC (the current WIC LC's and PC's are also our LLL people, we're pretty much all a little group) and she has started....I'm considering doing it also....