Increasing breastfeeding success by meeting the emotional needs of African-American WIC mothers

Background: Many health problems disproportionately affect African-American women and infants. African-American women breastfeed at a disproportionately lower rate than any other ethnic group. The health issues are complex and multifaceted and would seem to require costly, complex interventions. One evidence-based intervention requires minimal cost, no technology and has no significant risks. The intervention is preventive and affects the health and well-being of individuals throughout their life spans. The intervention is increasing the breastfeeding initiation and duration rates of African-American WIC participants. Methods: Our key to increasing breastfeeding rates in the African-American WIC community is Peer-to-Peer group sessions facilitated by WIC trained African-American Breastfeeding Peer Counselors. Bringing breastfeeding women together in a comfortable place to make and meet new friends and obtain reliable and accurate information is critical in their success. Women stop breastfeeding when they encounter emotional difficulties and stress. Group discussions focus on the barriers African-American families face during the perinatal period making breastfeeding difficult to obtain and exploration of the emotional needs of new mothers. Results: Between 2005 and 2011 exclusive breastfeeding duration rates for African-American women enrolled in WIC increased: at 2 months - 108% and at 6 months - 290%. Conclusions: This model can easily be replicated with other cultural groups by collaborating with and utilizing the many available resources currently in place in counties throughout the US.