The goal of this study was to determine whether participation in the WIC Program was associated with improved maternal and infant health outcomes among homeless women in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Compared with those not in the program, women enrolled in WIC were significantly more likely to have a higher body mass index, initiate breastfeeding after delivery, have prenatal care visits, have a longer gestational age, and have a higher infant birth weight.
This study described the proportion of low-birth weight births that might be prevented by programs targeting maternal body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy and/or weight gain during pregnancy. The researchers found that 19% of the very low-birth weight births in South Carolina related to either underweight or overweight BMI at conception. In addition, 8% of the very low-birth weight births were attributed to inadequate weight gain during pregnancy. The authors concluded that appropriate maternal BMI at conception, in conjunction with adequate weight gain during pregnancy, might substantially reduce the number of low-birth weight deliveries.
The authors examines infant-feeding practices and maternal diet in Mexican immigrant families in California. researchers found that mothers living in the US for fewer than 6 years breastfed their infants exclusively for at least 16 weeks. In addition, 20% of mothers living in the US from 6 years to 15 years and 17% of mothers living in the US for more than 15 years exclusively breastfed. Longer duration of residence in the US was associated with significantly higher intakes of vegetables, low-fat milk, salty snacks, animal protein, and cereals.
This study described the factors associated with the smoking status of low-income women during pregnancy and postpartum. Results showed that lower relapse rates among spontaneous quitters indicated a need to foster an environment that encourages quitting at pregnancy.
The authors explored the relationship between the timing of entry into the WIC Program among pregnant women in Rhode Island and changes in maternal cigarette smoking (MCS) during pregnancy. Self-reports from smokers indicated that 9.5% quit smoking; 24.6% decreased MCS; 26.8% experienced no change; 33.5% increased MCS; and 5.6% attempted to quit MCS, but failed during pregnancy.
The purposes of this study were (1) to understand perceived benefits and barriers related to weight loss in a group of overweight/obese postpartum WIC moms and (2) to identify intervention measures that the WIC Program could implement. researchers identified lack of support and finances, as well as low self-esteem, as barriers to weight loss. They concluded that a support group approach within a weight loss program would be beneficial.
Maternal depressive symptoms are associated with poor health among preschool-age children in low-income families. Children of depressed women were less lkely to have health insurance and recieve medical care from clinics or ERs, and eat a poorer quality diet.
Additionally, analysis revealed that although participants value information received from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program counselors, they would like to receive more information from their primary healthcare providers about adequate GWG.
Additionally, analysis revealed that although participants value information received from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program counselors, they would like to receive more information from their primary healthcare providers about adequate GWG.
WIC interventions to reduce maternal alcohol intake have positive health and birth outcomes.
