ORAL PRESENTATION
Title: Peer Counselors in the NICU: The Rush Mothers' Milk Club experience
Authors: Emily J. White, BSN, RN*, Martha W. Roseen, RN, IBCLC, Paula P. Meier, RN, DNSc, FAAN
Affiliation: Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Contact: jamesecwhite@attbi.com

Abstract:
Background and Program Description
Our Rush Mothers Milk Club has 5 breastfeeding peer counselors, whose former NICU infants range in age from 9 months to 6 years. Their roles include: attendance at weekly Mothers' Milk Club luncheons, where they meet and support mothers of current NICU infants; telephone support during and after the NICU stay; and post-NICU home visits. These women are paid an hourly fee, and can access our complimentary Rush Mothers' Milk Club Taxi for transportation needs related to their roles.

Results
Data from related research projects conducted in our NICU demonstrate that these peer counselors are a major determinant of our exceptionally high dose of mothers' milk for very low birth weight (<1500g) infants over the first 30 days post-birth (mean=80.1% of enteral feedings.). New mothers see the peer counselors as role models as evidenced by the following research-generated quote. "If I can come back to Milk Club in 1 year and tell other mothers that MY baby didn't have a cold until after her first birthday - like Jameca (peer counselor) - that will be my best reward."

Conclusions
We conclude that Peer Counselors in the NICU can provide cost-effective lactation support, especially for underserved populations.