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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2019 Nov-Dec;33(6):e46-e56.
doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2019.07.009.

Las Dos Cosas Versus Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Culturally and Linguistically Exploratory Intervention Study in Hispanic Mothers Living in Kentucky

Ana Maria Linares, Diana Cartagena, Mary Kay Rayens
Randomized Controlled Trial

Las Dos Cosas Versus Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Culturally and Linguistically Exploratory Intervention Study in Hispanic Mothers Living in Kentucky

Ana Maria Linares et al. J Pediatr Health Care. 2019 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: Formula supplementation among infants of breastfeeding Hispanic immigrants is common practice known as las dos cosas. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptability of a culturally and linguistically diverse intervention to promote exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months.

Methods: A sample of 39 Hispanic pregnant women was recruited and randomly assigned to intervention (n = 20) and control groups (n = 19). The intervention included a peer counselor and professional support, and mothers were followed from pregnancy to 6 months after birth.

Results: After the study, women assigned to the intervention group were over three times more likely to EBF their baby through all four postpartum assessed time points (odds ratio = 3.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-8.7).

Discussion: This culturally and linguistically diverse intervention contributed to increased EBF duration and decreased formula supplementation in Hispanic mothers up to 6 months postpartum.

Keywords: Exclusive breastfeeding; Hispanics; breastfeeding intervention; lactation consultant; peer counselor.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
CONSOR flow diagram pilot study (Eldridge et al, 2016)
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Promotion of EBF in Hispanics Women in Kentucky. Adapted from the Health Promotion Model (Pender et al., 2002).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Frequency of EBF in each group over time (N=39)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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