WIC Participants

Peer Support and Breastfeeding Intentions Among Black WIC Participants

The purpose of this study was to identify what factors impact infant-feeding decisions of low-income women. Results indicated that women who attended support groups were more than twice as likely to intend to breastfeed, compared with women who did not attend such sessions. These results highlighted the importance of social influences on the decision to breastfeed and indicated the need for broadened community-based education for the promotion of breastfeeding.

Maternal Variables Influencing Duration of Breastfeeding Among Low-Income Mothers

This study investigated the relationship between mothers who breastfed exclusively and those who breastfed partially, as well as the duration of breastfeeding. The results showed that the mothers who breastfed exclusively breastfed longer, were older, and had lower body mass indexes than those mothers who partially breastfed.

Individual Net-Benefit Maximization: A Model for Understanding Breastfeeding Cessation Among Low-Income Women

The authors used the economic theory of individual net-benefit maximization to analyze the social, economic, and psychological disincentives that potentially influence breastfeeding cessation. Results showed that the following disincentives were significantly associated with cessation: WIC participation at 2 to 4 months; a mother who returned to work for 20 to 40 hours per week; a mother who did not attend a postpartum doctor rsquo;s visit; a household that did not include a father; presence of a smoker in the household; lack of breastfeeding instruction at the pediatric office; a doctor who did not encourage breastfeeding, and a mother who experienced depressive symptoms.

Effectiveness of Exclusive Breastfeeding Promotion in Low-Income Mothers: A Randomized Controlled Study

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a breastfeeding promotion program for WIC participants. Although the majority of the women reported breastfeeding their infants, 45.6% in the intervention group and 28.9% of those in the control group practiced exclusive breastfeeding during the first 7 days. By 3 months, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the intervention and control groups had dropped to 13.9% and 10.5%, respectively.

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.

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.

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.

Comparison of Manual and Electric Breast Pumps Among WIC Women Returning to Work or School in Hawaii

The aim of this study was to find out whether an electric breast pump (versus a manual pump) would increase breastfeeding duration among mothers who were returning to work or school full time. The authors concluded that both the manual and electric breast pumps may improve breastfeeding duration, as long as breastfeeding is encouraged and supported when women return to work or school full time.