WIC Participants

Breastfeeding Intentions Among Low-Income Pregnant and Lactating Women

This study intended to provide a better understanding of how low-income pregnant/postpartum women decide whether to breastfeed. The results showed that other ; opinions influenced feeding decisions in this population, including significant others, family, and friends. Involving these relations in the breastfeeding education process might help to improve breastfeeding rates.

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.

Preschooler Feeding Practices and Beliefs: Differences Among Spanish- and English-speaking WIC Clients

This study investigated feeding practices and beliefs for preschoolers among Spanish- and English-speaking WIC participants in Texas. Results showed no significant differences between English-speaking Hispanics and non-Hispanics, indicating that acculturation might impact behaviors, apart from ethnicity.

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.

The Milk of Human Kindness: Environmental and Human Interactions in a WIC Clinic That Influence Infant-Feeding Decisions of Black Women

This study explored the context of black women's infant-feeding decisions in an urban WIC clinic. The study revealed that the availability of free formula facilitated bottle-feeding choices. However, incorporating personalized breastfeeding promotion and building a trusting relationship with WIC providers encouraged breastfeeding decisions for almost half of the key informants.

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.

A Randomized Trial Assessing the Efficacy of Peer Counseling on Exclusive Breastfeeding in a Predominantly Latina Low-Income Community

The study assessed the efficacy of peer counseling to promote exclusive breastfeeding among low-income inner-city women in Hartford, Connecticut. The results indicated that well-structured intensive breastfeeding support provided by hospital and community-based peer counselors was effective in improving exclusive breastfeeding rates among low-income inner-city women.

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.

Infant-Feeding Beliefs and Experiences of Black Women Enrolled in WIC in the New York Metropolitan Area

The author explored infant-feeding beliefs and experiences of black women enrolled in WIC (BWEW) in a New York metropolitan inner city. The following were among the major themes that emerged from this analysis: (1) formula-feeding experiences were the norm for most BWEW; (2) life experiences of BWEW included a preponderance of loss and stress; and (3) infant-feeding beliefs of BWEW reflected responses to life experiences.

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.