Initiation

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.

Are US Mothers Meeting the Healthy People 2010 Breastfeeding Targets for Initiation, Duration, and Exclusivity? The 2003 and 2004 National Immunization Surveys

The authors analyzed data from the 2003 and 2004 National Immunization Surveys to determine the characteristics of groups meeting the Healthy People 2010 breastfeeding targets. The results indicated that Hispanic children, children of college graduates, and children living in the western part of the country consistently had higher odds of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Patterns in a Community of Native Hawaiian Mothers Participating in WIC

The study aimed to understand the disparity in the breastfeeding initiation rates among Native Hawaiian (64%) and Hawaiian WIC participants (89%). The results indicated that mothers exclusively breastfeeding at initiation weaned significantly later and were significantly more likely to breastfeed for 6 months, than were mothers who partially breastfed.

Breastfeeding Attitudes and Reported Problems in a National Sample of WIC Participants

The WIC Infant-Feeding Practices Study was a nationally representative 1-year longitudinal study of WIC participants that obtained information about attitudes regarding infant feeding and infant-feeding practices. Results indicated that all ethnic groups were concerned about insufficient milk. Hispanic mothers were more likely to agree with the statements about the benefits of breastfeeding. Black mothers were more likely to agree with statements about barriers. These results could help inform a redesign of the WIC breastfeeding promotion campaign.

Lower Breastfeeding Rates Persist Among the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Participants, 1978–2003

The aim of this study was to compare rates of breastfeeding between women who participated in the WIC Program with those who did not, from 1978 to 2003. Results showed that breastfeeding rates among WIC participants lagged behind those of non-WIC mothers for the past 25 years. Food package and programmatic changes are needed to enhance WIC participants incentives to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding Initiation in Low-Income Women: Role of Attitudes, Support, and Perceived Control

This study examines the factors associated with breastfeeding initiation for low-income women. Women who were older, white, non-Hispanic, college educated, married, not certified for WIC, and not working full time were more likely to breastfeed than formula feed at hospital discharge.

WIC Participation, Breastfeeding Practices, and Well-Child Care Among Unmarried, Low-Income Mothers

This study estimated the effect of WIC participation from 1999 to 2000 on breastfeeding initiation and duration, as well as on well-child care. The results showed that WIC participation was associated with increased likelihood of initiating breastfeeding and having at least four well-child visits since birth. Both behaviors benefit infants beyond the newborn period.

Effectiveness of Breastfeeding Peer Counseling in a Low-Income, Predominantly Latina Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To evaluate the effectiveness of an existing breastfeeding peer counseling program within the US, researchers conducted a randomized control trial, with peer counseling as an intervention. The proportion of mothers who initiated breastfeeding was significantly higher in the intervention group. These findings demonstrated that, in the US, peer counselors could significantly improve breastfeeding initiation and duration rates.

Characteristics of Teenage Mothers and Predictors of Breastfeeding Initiation in the Michigan WIC Program in 1995

This study analyzed breastfeeding initiation rates among Michigan preteen and teenage mothers (ages 12 to 19) by demographics and health behaviors. The results showed that for white mothers, the strongest predictor of breastfeeding initiation was education beyond high school. Black mothers were less likely to breastfeed if they had multiparous births.

Rural and Urban Breastfeeding Initiation Trends in Low-Income Women in North Carolina from 2003 to 2007

The objective of this study was to examine racial, ethnic, and regional (rural versus urban) trends in breastfeeding initiation among low-income women in North Carolina, from 2003 to 2007. The research determined that women in rural areas, particularly non-Hispanic blacks, were less likely to initiate breastfeeding. Increased emphasis should be placed on developing breastfeeding interventions for rural communities, particularly targeting the non-Hispanic black population.