Significant impact of kangaroo care on exclusive breastfeeding in a sample of hispanic mothers in Kentucky

Background: Kangaroo care (KC) or early skin to skin contact has been identified as an intervention for establishment of breastfeeding. Among Hispanic women early exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is rare and are more likely to supplement their newborns with formula at first 2 days of life. Objectives: To examine the effect of KC on the initiation of EBF in Hispanic women in urban Kentucky. Methods: Structured interviews were conducted in a convenient sample (n=52) of Hispanic women. Recruitment was at ³20 weeks of pregnancy and women were followed-up after delivery. Socio-demographic, intention to breastfeed, delivery, infant characteristics, and receiving KC data were collected. Feeding method at discharge was assessed. Results: Of the sample, 71% reported strong intention to breastfeed during pregnancy. Breastfeeding was initiated by 89% of the group; however, only 45% of this group was exclusively breastfeeding at discharge from hospital. EBF was significantly associated with KC (p =.001); "want to tell everybody that you were pregnant" (p =.04); and no labor complication (p =.04). Logistic regression analysis revealed that a woman receiving KC has 22 times more probability (OR 22.00, 95% CI 2.34, 206.48) to breastfeed exclusively at discharge than a woman that did not get it. Conclusion: Intensive breastfeeding support by hospitals contributes to EBF outcomes among low-income Hispanic women. The public health impact is paramount by reducing the prevalence of overweight and obese Hispanic children due to the health benefits associated with longer periods of EBF.