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 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 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.
Researchers used data from a longitudinal study of postpartum depression to examine factors related to very early discontinuation of breastfeeding (at 2 weeks postpartum). They concluded that expectant and new mothers, especially women who encounter multiple barriers to continuing breastfeeding, could increase duration rates if ; they are (1) educated about the benefits of breastfeeding and (2) supported in developing efficient techniques and problem-solving skills.
This study explored whether breastfeeding patterns during the period between birth and postnatal WIC certification differed by participation in a local WIC agency that provided breastfeeding peer counselor support (PC), versus two comparison groups: the lactation consultant (LC) and standard care (SC) groups. The breastfeeding initiation rate was higher for the PC group, compared with the LC and SC groups. Participants in the PC group were also more likely to certify as exclusively and partially breastfeeding, compared with those in the LC and SC groups.
The researchers outlined the results from a process evaluation, analyzing the implementation of the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program at the state and local agency levels.
The study aimed to use propensity scores and fixed-effects estimation data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics; Child Development Supplement to determine the effect of WIC on breastfeeding initiation and duration. Results indicated that the negative association between WIC and breastfeeding is likely false, arising from the poor sociodemographic profile of participants.
This study assessed the association between the timing of prenatal participation in the WIC Program and various infant-feeding practices, including breastfeeding initiation, breastfeeding for at least 4 months, exclusive breastfeeding, formula feeding, and early introduction of cow ;s milk and solid food. The study results revealed that entry into the WIC Program during the first or second trimester of pregnancy was associated with reduced likelihood of initiation of breastfeeding and early introduction of cow ;s milk. Entry during the first trimester was associated with reduced duration of breastfeeding. WIC participation at any trimester was positively related to formula feeding.
This study investigated factors that impacted the decision to breastfeed and looked at the effect of formula provided by WIC on breastfeeding initiation and duration among WIC participants in a rural parish in central Louisiana. Participants felt that the incentives provided to encourage breastfeeding did not affect their decisions to breastfeed. The majority (96%) of the participants in this study indicated that WIC provide effective and clear education about the benefits of breastfeeding and that this advice influenced their decision to breastfeed their children.
