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

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.