African American Breastfeeding Peer Support: All Moms Empowered to Nurse.
Breastfeed Med
; 16(2): 156-164, 2021 02.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1085365
ABSTRACT
Background:
Although breastfeeding is optimal infant nutrition, disparities in breastfeeding persist in the African American population. AMEN (Avondale Moms Empowered to Nurse) launched a Peer-to-Peer support group to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration in an under-resourced African American urban community with low breastfeeding rates. Materials andMethods:
A Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)-guided project was developed in partnership with a neighborhood church. Using modified Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) peer counseling materials, Avondale neighborhood breastfeeding moms were trained and designated Breastfeeding Champions. Community organizations and partnering agencies helped recruit local mothers. Support groups included childcare, transportation, refreshments, and incentives, plus stipends for Champions. A mixed-methods approach captured participation, feeding intention and practices, and program evaluation using electronic data capture. After adding another neighborhood with low breastfeeding rates, AMEN was modified to "All Moms Empowered to Nurse." Additional Champion moms were trained as Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE) Community Transformers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group has met weekly by virtual platform.Results:
Since May 2017, 67 AMEN support meetings have included 158 participants, with average attendance of 10 (range 5-19) per meeting. In addition to 8 Champions, 110 moms have attended, including 24% expecting mothers. Additional attendees include 13 family support persons, 23 guest speakers, and 12 from community outreach programs. Qualitative feedback from participants has been uniformly positive. Breastfeeding initiation rates have increased 12% in the initial neighborhood.Conclusions:
Harnessing strength within the local community, Champion Breastfeeding Moms have successfully launched AMEN breastfeeding support groups in under-resourced African American urban neighborhoods, helping more mothers reach their breastfeeding goals.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Peer Group
/
Black or African American
/
Breast Feeding
/
Program Evaluation
/
Community-Based Participatory Research
/
Mothers
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
North America
Language:
English
Journal:
Breastfeed Med
Journal subject:
Nutritional Sciences
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Bfm.2020.0323
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