Baby Connection an Evaluation of a Feeding Program

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding has many benefits but many new mothers find difficulties when trying to breastfeed. This is a program evaluation of Baby Connection a feeding program for the first year. Baby Connection is a volunteer program in Lane County, Oregon. Methods: Records were analyzed during the first 15 months of Baby Connection. Microsoft Excel was used to analyze data. There were 224 families that brought their babies to Baby Connection with 228 babies weighed. There were two sets of twins. Of the 224 visits, 119 families came one time, 56 families visited 2-4 times, 29 families visited 5-9 times, 6 families visited 9-12 times and 14 families visited 13 or more times with 100 percent responses. Surveys (16) were sent to emails provided by mothers who had filled out slips to be part of further research, 5 surveys were returned. Surveys were handed out during Baby Connection on two separate days with a total of ten returned; for a total of 15 surveys. Two focus groups were also held and staff was interviewed via email. Results: At two weeks the average exclusively breastfed infant weighed 2.2 ounces less than the exclusively formula fed infant. The infant who was breastfed and formula fed weighed almost exactly 1 pound and .05 ounces less than an exclusively breast fed infant. At six weeks of age the average exclusively breastfed infant weighed 10 pounds and 4.4 ounces the same as the exclusively formula fed infant; while the infant fed both breastmilk and formula weighed 8.7 ounces less. At twelve weeks of age the exclusively breastfed infant weighed 13 pounds and 2.3 ounces while the exclusively formula fed infant weighed 12 pounds and 5.3 ounces and the infant fed both weighs 12 pounds and 2.1 ounces. Themes were identified by both staff and mothers. Conclusion: Helping new mothers and less educated mothers to identify challenging situation and provide them with solutions to encourage exclusive breastfeeding and help them transition into their new role as a mother in the community can only benefit upcoming generations and our current community in Lane County, Oregon.