ECONOMIC IMPACT OF BREAST-FEEDING PROMOTION INTERVENTION

These researchers propose a randomized controlled clinical trial at two sites. Two community health centers will serve as the study sites. The benefits of pre and post-natal breast-feeding promotions will be compared to child health care costs, breast-feeding practices and child care outcomes among mother-baby dyads. The researchers hypothesize that the economic benefits of intensive breast- feeding promotion interventions will exceed the economic costs of providing such interventions. The proposed interventions will consist of face-to-face sessions with a trained lactation consultant during the pre-natal period, and intensive post-partum support up to weaning or twelve months.