Evidence Tools
MCH Best. NPM 4: Breastfeeding

Strategy. Lactation Consultants

Approach. Provide support through a certified lactation consultant to improve breastfeeding outcomes.

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Overview. Breastfeeding has long-term benefits for mother and newborn.¹ Systematic literature reviews over the past decade have returned similar findings: “Dedicated lactation specialists may play a role in providing education and support to pregnant women and new mothers wishing to breastfeed and to continue breastfeeding (duration) to improve breastfeeding outcomes.”² Numerous studies indicate that in-person lactation consultants are effective for initiation and exclusivity;³ several studies further show utility of telephone and Internet support. All studies indicate the need to have consistent access to consultation services, as needs may change over time. In addition, doulas can be used in a similar role as lactation consultants to promote breastfeeding.⁴

Evidence. Moderate. Lactation consultant interventions appear to be effective for increasing both breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity at 6 months. Programs based on this strategy are likely to work. This strategy has been tested more than once and results trend positive overall. Access the peer-reviewed evidence through the MCH Digital Library. (Read more about understanding evidence ratings).

Target Audience. Mother/family (through home visitors, community health workers, and health care providers).

Outcome. Initiation and Exclusivity. For detailed outcomes related to each study supporting this strategy, click on the peer-reviewed evidence link above and read the "Intervention Results" for each study.

Examples from the Field. Access descriptions of ESMs that use this strategy directly or intervention components that align with this strategy. You can use these ESMs to see how other Title V agencies are addressing the NPM.

The Role of Title V. Title V Agencies can support this approach by:

• Informing pregnant women and new mothers about lactation consultant services.
• Ensuring that lactation consultants have access to new mothers after birth.

Sample ESMs. Using the approach “Maintain a 24-hour breastfeeding hotline staffed by a bilingual certified lactation consultant,” here are sample ESMs you can use as a model for your own measures using the Results-Based Accountability framework (for suggestions on how to develop programs to support this strategy, see The Role of Title V in Adapting Strategies):

Note. When looking at your ESMs, SPMs, or other strategies: (1) move from measuring quantity to quality; (2) move from measuring effort to effect; (3) Quadrant 1 strategies should be used sparingly, when no other data exists; and (4) the most effective measurement combines strategies in all levels, with most in Quadrants 2 and 4.

Learn More. Read how to create stronger ESMs and how to measure ESM impact more meaningfully through Results-Based Accountability.

References:

¹ American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics. 2012 Mar;129(3):e827-41.

² Patel, S., & Patel, S. (2016). The Effectiveness of Lactation Consultants and Lactation Counselors on Breastfeeding Outcomes. Journal of Human Lactation, 32(3), 530–541.

³ Francis, J., & Dickton, D. (2019). Preventive Health Application to Increase Breastfeeding. Journal of Women's Health, 28(10), 1344-1349.

⁴ Hans SL, Thullen M, Henson LG, Lee H, Edwards RC, Bernstein VJ. Promoting positive mother–infant relationships: A randomized trial of community doula support for young mothers. Infant Mental Health Journal. 2013;34:446–457.