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Initiation


Racial/Ethnic Differences in Breastfeeding Duration among WIC-Eligible Families

This research documented racial/ethnic differences in breastfeeding duration among mothers from seven diverse racial/ethnic groups in rural and urban areas of the US. The findings suggested that breastfeeding initiation rates and breastfeeding durations of 6 months were lower among WIC-eligible mothers, compared with all mothers. WIC-eligible foreign-born Mexican-Origin Hispanic (FBMOH) mothers were most likely to breastfeed for 6 months.


Rural-Urban Differences in Breastfeeding Initiation in the United States

This research examines a nationally representative sample of births using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study - Birth Cohort to explore associations between rural ;urban residence and maternal race/ethnicity on breastfeeding initiation. Results indicated that associations observed for rural ;urban breastfeeding initiation differed, based on maternal race/ethnicity and poverty status. These patterns likely reflected differences in economic resources, work environments, and social support among rural minority postpartum women.


Changing WIC changes what children eat

This study investigated dietary intake and obesity prevalence changes in WIC children after the implementation of the revised WIC food packages in 2009. Results showed increases in WIC mothers; breastfeeding initiation and in the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat/non-fat milk by young children. Weight for length and body mass index also decreased in young children.


Food Package Assignments and Breastfeeding Initiation Before and After a Change in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

The purpose of this study was to measure changes in WIC food package assignments, WIC infant formula amounts, and breastfeeding initiation after the implementation of the revised WIC food packages. Results revealed that the percentage of mothers who received the partial breastfeeding package fell from 24.7% to 13.8%; the percentage of mothers who received the full breastfeeding package rose from 9.8% to 17.1%; and the percentage of mothers who received the full formula package rose from 20.5% to 28.5%.


Evaluation of Birth Month Breastfeeding Changes to the WIC Food Packages

This study evaluated the effect of the new WIC food packages on WIC participation; food package choice; and breastfeeding initiation, duration, and intensity. After implementation of the new food packages, more mothers opted for the full breastfeeding and full formula packages. Breastfeeding initiation rates remained approximately the same before and after implementation. And, based on a multivariate analysis after implementation, the change in the likelihood of reaching 4 weeks of breastfeeding duration was negligible in magnitude and statistically insignificant.