Assessment of women, infant and children (WIC) peer counselor contact with first time breastfeeding mothers

Background: Peer counselors utilized by Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant and Children (WIC) support vulnerable populations. Evidence demonstrates breastfeeding support improves confidence in lactating low-income mothers. Objective: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to determine if singleton mothers who have not previously breastfed, irrespective of previous birth status, and had WIC peer counselor contact are more likely to initiate breastfeeding as compared to those mothers not exposed to the WIC peer counselor contact. Methods: The authors conducted secondary data analysis of the 2009 Texas Department of State Health Services WIC Infant Feeding Practices Survey (N=5,427) administered through 73 local WIC agencies. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the 3,542 first time breastfeeding mothers that met the study criteria and had peer counselor contact “during pregnancy,” “in the hospital,” and “after delivery”. Results: Women who had peer counselor contact during pregnancy, in the hospital, and after delivery were more likely to initiate breastfeeding, OR =1.37, 2.20, 1.74 respectively. Conclusion: The study found a woman's decision to initiate breastfeeding is significantly associated with WIC peer-counselor contacts. Continued WIC peer counselor program evaluation may aid to increase breastfeeding initiation rates among WIC participants.