Breastfeeding

Characteristics Associated With Longer Breastfeeding Duration: An Analysis of a Peer Counseling Support Program

This study examines data from a peer counseling support program for low-income women, to determine how participants; characteristics and behavior affected breastfeeding outcomes. Shorter breastfeeding duration was significantly predicted by introduction of formula on day 1 postpartum in participants enrolled both prenatally and postnatally. Furthermore, in both groups, increasing maternal age and previous breastfeeding experience were associated with significantly longer breastfeeding duration.

Breastfeeding Peer Support: Are There any Additional Benefits?

This study investigated whether breastfeeding peer supporters might offer additional benefits to breastfeeding women and their families, beyond increasing breastfeeding initiation and duration. The findings suggested that breastfeeding peer supporters might have a positive impact on several aspects of families; lives, including improved mental health, increased self-esteem or confidence, and improved family diet.

Breastfeeding by Hispanic Women

This study reviewed the literature describing Hispanic breastfeeding beliefs, attitudes, and practices in the US. The study reported that breastfeeding initiation rates are high among Hispanics living in the US. Newly immigrated women initiated and continued to breastfeed longer than did more acculturated women.

Breastfeeding and WIC Enrollment in the Nurse Family Partnership Program

This study explored the association of WIC and lower breastfeeding rates in the Nurse Family Partnership Program. The results showed that when their child was 6 months old, 87.8% of mothers who were not breastfeeding were enrolled in WIC and that 82.6% of mothers who were breastfeeding were enrolled in WIC.

Assignment to a Hospital-Based Breastfeeding Clinic and Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Immigrant Hispanic Mothers: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

A randomized controlled trial was used to determine whether assigning mixed feeders to a breastfeeding clinic within 1 week postpartum would increase exclusive breastfeeding at 1 month, among Hispanic immigrants. Results indicated that the intervention group was more likely to exclusively breastfeed; that the incidence of formula supplementation did not differ between groups; and that the intervention group was less likely to supplement with water and tea.

Variation in Breastfeeding Behaviors, Perceptions, and Experiences by Race/Ethnicity Among a Low-Income Statewide Sample of Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Participants in the United States

This study examines how breastfeeding behaviors, perceptions, and experiences vary by race and ethnicity among a low-income sample in the US. The authors concluded that although breastfeeding initiation rates approached the Healthy People 2010 goals, breastfeeding duration remained far below these goals. Racial and ethnic differences in experiences related to breastfeeding cessation suggested that culturally sensitive breastfeeding interventions were necessary.

Understanding Breastfeeding Initiation and Continuation in Rural Communities: A Combined Qualitative/Quantitative Approach

This study investigated factors associated with breastfeeding in rural communities. Results showed that 55% of women initiated breastfeeding and that 18% continued for at least 6 months. Maternal employment at 2 months and receipt of WIC services were associated with decreased breastfeeding initiation and duration.

The Association Between an Electric Pump Loan Program and the Timing of Requests for Formula by Working Mothers in WIC

This study compared mothers who received an electric pump upon return to full-time work with counterparts in a wait-list control group. Mothers who received an electric pump as soon as requested did not request formula until an average of 8.8 months post delivery. Those who did not receive an electric pump requested formula at an average of 4.8 months post delivery.

Prenatal Breastfeeding Education and Breastfeeding Outcomes

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of various breastfeeding outcomes for three cohorts who received different methods of prenatal breastfeeding education. Results showed that women who attended prenatal breastfeeding classes had significantly increased breastfeeding rates at 6 months, when compared with controls. There was no significant difference in rates among the types of classes offered.

Maternal Breastfeeding Attitudes: Association with Breastfeeding Intent and Socio-Demographics Among Urban Primiparas

The purpose of this study was to determine whether breastfeeding attitudes were associated with breastfeeding intent and sociodemographic variables. The findings suggested that targeting breastfeeding initiatives toward low-income, less-educated, US-born mothers who lacked breastfeeding support from their loved ones might improve breastfeeding rates among urban first-time mothers.