The MILK Study (Moms Into Learning about Kids) is a randomized controlled trial studying the economic effects of a breastfeeding support intervention. By providing pre-natal, in-hospital and post-natal breastfeeding support, The MILK Study hopes to demonstrate increased breastfeeding initiation and duration rates and consequently lower infant health care utilization costs during the first year of life, compared with the control (usual care) group. Thusfar, 100 women have enrolled in the study. We assessed differences in breastfeeding initiation at one month post-partum. More intervention group women intitiated breastfeeding compared with controls (9 of 22 women vs. 7 of 10 women). When asked who or what was most helpful with breastfeeding 6 of 9 women in the intervention group cited the study lactation consultants. In the control group, breastfeeders cited friends and family (3 of 10 women) and educational materials (3 of 10 women) as most helpful. These findings are based on only 22 of 100 women enrolled in The MILK Study who compled 1-month follow-up interviews.
Learning Objectives: At the session’s conclusion, participants will be able to: 1. Describe The MILK Study intervention. 2. Evaluate its effectiveness on breastfeeding initiation. 3. Identify costs and savings associated with a breastfeeding intervention. 4. Discuss the potential for expanding The MILK Study model to a managed care setting.
Keywords: Breast Feeding, Intervention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Montefiore Medical Center
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.