This article explored some of the successes and applications of the USDAs ongoing campaign,;Loving Support Makes Breastfeeding Work,” with respect to breastfeeding promotion and support. Based on social marketing principles to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates among WIC participants, WIC breastfeeding initiation and duration rates have improved significantly since initiation of the campaign in 1997. The author concluded that it is important to create social marketing campaigns that target societal forces that affect a woman ;s decision and capability to breastfeed. These include family and friends, healthcare providers, employers, formula industry, and legislators.
This study examines associations among breastfeeding duration, child care arrangement, and participation in the WIC Program for people enrolled in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort. Compared to those under parental care, WIC participants under relative care were more likely to discontinue breastfeeding before their child reached the age of 6 months.
This article reaffirmed the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months; followed by continued breastfeeding, as complementary foods are introduced; and continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer, as mutually desired by mother and infant. The Business Case for Breastfeeding detailed how mothers could maintain lactation in the workplace and the benefits to employers who facilitated this practice.
This critical review aimed to identify and assess US-based randomized trials, by evaluating breastfeeding interventions that targeted minorities. Peer counseling interventions, breastfeeding-specific clinic appointments, group prenatal education, and hospital/WIC enhancements all greatly improved breastfeeding initiation, duration, of exclusivity.
This study investigated barriers to breastfeeding faced by inner-city African-American women. The following themes emerged from focus groups: low self-esteem, low self-efficacy, fear of social isolation, formula as a cultural norm, worries about breastfeeding in public, challenging family relationships, negative postpartum hospital experiences, and lack of support after going home.
This study examines the association between acculturation and breastfeeding behaviors. Prevalence rates of breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusive breastfeeding for; 10 weeks or longer were significantly higher among less acculturated mothers, than among highly acculturated mothers.
This study investigated the effect of promoting breastfeeding in the WIC population through a telenovela, a Spanish-language soap opera. Immediate behavior change did not result, but the researchers reported engaging participants in conversations about breastfeeding with their health educator.
This study explored the associations between breastfeeding initiation and the availability of WIC-based breastfeeding support, as well as the racial and ethnic composition of WIC clients in North Carolina. The study found that breastfeeding initiation by site was negatively associated with the percentage of African-American clients and positively associated with percentage of white or Hispanic clients.
In 2011, the surgeon General's report urged clinicians, employers, communities, researchers, and government leaders to take on a commitment to enable mothers to meet their personal goals for breastfeeding. According to the report, breastfeeding is the best source of infant nutrition and immunologic protection, and it provides remarkable health benefits to mothers, as well.
The purpose of this pilot study was to compare two different methods of educating prenatal women about breastfeeding. The results showed that the duration of breastfeeding might increase when prenatal women are taught to identify infant behavior, such as hunger cues.
