Effects of CenteringPregnancy group prenatal care on breastfeeding outcomes.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of CenteringPregnancy group prenatal care on breastfeeding outcomes, relative to traditional prenatal care delivered in an individual format.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental research design was conducted with 794 women receiving prenatal care delivered in a group or individual format at 4 sites in Tennessee. Propensity scores were used to create groups of women statistically matched on background demographics and medical history. Outcomes included breastfeeding at discharge and breastfeeding at postpartum follow-up.

RESULTS

Compared with the matched comparison group of women receiving prenatal care in an individual format, women in CenteringPregnancy group prenatal care had significantly higher odds of any breastfeeding at discharge (odds ratio [OR], 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-3.26; P < .001). Across the 4 sites, there were no consistent differences in the odds of any breastfeeding at follow-up or exclusive breastfeeding at discharge or postpartum follow-up.

DISCUSSION

CenteringPregnancy group prenatal care may have beneficial effects on initial rates of breastfeeding relative to individually delivered care. However, there is not sufficient evidence to conclude that CenteringPregnancy group prenatal care has robust effects on exclusive breastfeeding at discharge or postpartum follow-up.