Initiation

Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and Breastfeeding: National, Regional, and State Level Analyses

Although WIC revised the food packages to create a stronger incentive for breastfeeding, a disincentive for breastfeeding may exist given the higher market value of the formula packages

The New Food Package and Breastfeeding Outcomes Among Women, Infants, and Children Participants in Los Angeles County

The new food package can improve breastfeeding outcomes in a population at high risk for negative breastfeeding outcomes.

Impact of the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative on Breastfeeding and Child Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Adherence to the BFHI Ten Steps has a positive impact on short-term, medium-term and long-term breastfeeding (BF) outcomes. There is a dose-response relationship between the number of BFHI steps women are exposed to and the likelihood of improved BF outcomes (early BF initiation, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at hospital discharge, any BF and EBF duration). Community support (step 10) appears to be essential for sustaining breastfeeding impacts of BFHI in the longer term.

WIC Mothers’ Social Environment and Postpartum Health on Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration

This study has shown that the familial environment of mothers plays a very important role in improving breastfeeding rates among WIC mothers. In addition, there is a negative relationship between using a food assistance program and breastfeeding among low-income women.

Barriers to Breastfeeding in the WIC Population

Factors predisposing to lower BF rates include non-Hispanic ethnicity, obesity, depression, younger age, or an incomplete high school education.

Innovative Use of Influential Prenatal Counseling May Improve Breastfeeding Initiation Rates Among WIC Participants

Changing the WIC environment by integrating influence principles may positively affect women's infant feeding decisions and behaviors, specifically breastfeeding initiation rates.

Comparison of Feeding Practices in Infants in the WIC Supplemental Nutrition Program Who Were Enrolled in Child Care as Opposed to Those with Parent Care Only

Child Care use is not a significant influence on breastfeeding rates, introduction of complementary foods, and types of complementary foods; however, it does influence when formula is introduced.

Peer Counseling, Breastfeeding and Voucher Redemption Among WIC Participants: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment

This study will test whether increases in breastfeeding result in lower food package redemption costs for each mother/infant pair up to 6 months postpartum.

Barriers and Contributors to Breastfeeding in WIC Mothers: A Social Ecological Perspective

Women who had breastfed previously breastfed were more likely to agree that breastfeeding assists with losing baby weight, babies fed breastmilk are less likely to get sick ), and breastfeeding helps mothers bond with their babies more quickly than formula feeding compared to those who had never breastfed. Breastfeeding duration was significantly related to employment status.

Maternal WIC Participation Improves Breastfeeding Rates: A Statewide Analysis of WIC Participants

Increased time with WIC improves breastfeeding duration