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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Diana E. Ramos, MD, MPH¹, Diana Liu, MPH², Margaret Chao, PhD, MPH¹, Joanne Roberts, RN, BS¹, and Cynthia Harding, MPH². (1) Maternal, Child, & Adolescent Health, Los Angeles County-Department of Health Services, 600 South Commonwealth, Suite 800, Los Angeles, CA 90005, 3232514444, dramos@ladhs.org, (2) Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, Los Angeles County Department of Health, 600 Commonwealth, 8th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90005

BACKGROUND Women from low income and minority populations are less likely to breastfeed. In Los Angeles County half of all prenatal care is reimbursed under Medi-Cal. The Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP) is a Medi-Cal program that provides enhanced obstetric. Lactation consultants are covered under CPSP through 60 days postpartum. Promoting breastfeeding through the CPSP program is one way to increase the breastfeeding rates in underserved populations.

METHODS Los Angeles County CPSP office initiated efforts to incorporate basic breastfeeding training for the CPSP providers. The goal was to increase the knowledge and skills of CPSP practitioners in providing effective and efficient breastfeeding assessment and intervention. Over seventy-nine participants attended. Pre and post-tests were given to participants. A follow up visit to some provider was conducted.

RESULTS The average post-test score assessing breastfeeding knowledge was more than 10% greater than the pre-test score. On completion of the coarse eighty percent (63/79) of the participants felt confident or very confident about doing a breastfeeding assessment. Prior to the coarse, 75% (59/79) rated their breastfeeding knowledge less than fair. After completion of the program 89% (70/79) rated their knowledge as very high. A post interview of 23 participants revealed 92% (21/23) were more motivated to promote breastfeeding since the training.

CONCLUSION Breastfeeding education and training to CPSP providers improved their knowledge and subsequent promotion of breastfeeding. The breastfeeding services covered under Medi-Cal combined with breastfeeding promotion by providers is a potential strategy to increase the breastfeeding benefits and rates among underserved populations.

Learning Objectives:

1.Particpants will be able to cite barriers to breastfeeding. 2.Participants will be able to discuss the current breastfeeding rates nationwide and in L.A. County.
• Participants will cite key components in provider training to increase breastfeeding rates.

Keywords: Breast Feeding, Medicaid

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered