Breastfeeding peer counselors provide a valuable service to their community, by offering breastfeeding education, support, and role modeling in a culturally appropriate manner. Current research suggests that peer counselors improve breastfeeding initiation and duration among low income women. These increases in the prevalence of breastfeeding are likely to result in healthier babies and mothers, and ultimately in decreased health care costs. Current research, however, contains a paucity of information regarding the cost effectiveness of breastfeeding peer counseling programs in general, with little information specific to those serving Hispanic clients within the United States. This analytical overview will present the results of a comprehensive literature review to identify the documented costs and benefits associated with a wide variety of breastfeeding peer counseling service models. Frequently, published reports lack data on the actual costs or benefits associated with breastfeeding peer counseling. Therefore, the methodology used in an ongoing study to determine the cost effectiveness of a unique breastfeeding peer counseling program serving a primarily Hispanic population in Hartford, CT will be presented. Sensitivity analyses will be used to project cost savings at a national level. Recommendations for future research to determine the most cost effective approach to breastfeeding peer counseling, specifically among Hispanics, will be presented. Given the projections for limited health care resources and the continued growth of the US Hispanic population in the next millennium, it is imperative to identify and fund cost-effective approaches to breastfeeding promotion among Hispanics.
Learning Objectives: 1. To describe the methodology used in this study to evaluate the cost effectiveness of breastfeeding peer counseling services
Keywords: Breastfeeding, Peer Counselors
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Hispanic Health Council
Hartford Hospital
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.