Public Health in the Rockies 2026

Background:
Access to timely, culturally responsive lactation support remains a significant barrier in underresourced communities. In Colorado, data from the Colorado WIC Program (2024) indicate that breastfeeding prevalence declines from 53% during the first postpartum week to 32% at six months postpartum, while only 3.5% of individuals report receiving breastfeeding information via telephone, according to the Baby & You Survey (2024). These gaps highlight the need for accessible, community-based breastfeeding support strategies and continuity of care.

Objective:
To evaluate the development and early implementation of a training program preparing community members to provide telephone-based breastfeeding support.

Methods:
Surveys and interviews will assess the feasibility and early outcomes of the program. Feasibility measures include recruitment, retention, and training completion rates among lactation counselor participants. Participants are recruited through a community leadership initiative and complete an accredited online training program covering lactation fundamentals, counseling skills, common breastfeeding challenges, referral pathways, and culturally responsive peer support. Weekly study sessions facilitated by a lactation consultant reinforce learning and practical application.

Post-training surveys will assess changes in perceived competence, self-efficacy, and preparedness to provide breastfeeding support. Trained participants will deliver telephone-based support to postpartum individuals experiencing early breastfeeding challenges, caregiver confidence, and access to timely, evidence-based guidance. Breastfeeding participants will be recruited through maternal and child health referrals. Outcomes, including breastfeeding confidence and access to lactation information, will be evaluated through pre- and post-intervention surveys. Open-ended responses will explore program acceptability and opportunities for improvement.

Results:
LactiConnect is currently implementing a structured training program for community members to become breastfeeding support specialists.

Implications:
Training community members as breastfeeding support specialists may strengthen the lactation workforce and improve access to culturally responsive care. Telephone-based peer support offers a scalable model to reduce barriers and improve breastfeeding outcomes.