A New Teaching Model to Prolong Breastfeeding Among Latinos

Latinowomen in Salt Lake City, Utah, have some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the state. In an attempt to prolong breastfeeding duration in this population, the authors designed a new class to be taught by certified WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program forWomen, Infants, and Children) personnel to pregnant Spanish-speaking participants. The class was designed after a literature review and onsite ethnographic research. The term la cuarentena del bebéWas introduced to signify the recommended 40 days when mothers should exclusively breastfeed, avoiding bottles, pacifiers, and supplementation. As part of the teaching model, class participants prepare an infant-feeding plan. Preliminary interviews show that WIC participants and staff view the newapproach as an improvement. Arandomized controlled trial is under way to evaluate the effectiveness of the class.