This study investigated the frequency of exclusive breastfeeding in the early postpartum period, maternal attitudes toward breastfeeding, and WIC Program participation status in a population of mothers at two San Francisco hospitals. The results showed that a higher percentage (79.8%) of the sample was exclusively breastfeeding at 1 to 4 days postpartum. There were no significant differences in the rates of formula or mixed feeding, by WIC participant status. Independent risk factors for formula or mixed feeding at 1 to 3 days postpartum included Asian/Pacific Islander ethnicity. Being a college graduate was associated with a decreased risk of formula or mixed feeding.
The educational intervention assessed whether teaching formula-feeding caregivers about infant satiety cues would alter feeding practices and result in less weight gain. The intervention did not change bottle-feeding behaviors, and infant growth in the intervention group was greater than that in the control group.
The objective of this study was to find out whether employees at WIC initiated and continued to breastfeed significantly longer than the national averages. As expected, 99% of WIC employees initiated breastfeeding, and 68.6% continued to breastfeed to 1 year, significantly exceeding national averages. Given that nearly 70% of the study participants reached the American Academy of Pediatrics goal of breastfeeding to 12 months or longer, it is clear that full-time employment and breastfeeding can be compatible, given appropriate worksite support.
The authors examines infant-feeding practices and maternal diet in Mexican immigrant families in California. researchers found that mothers living in the US for fewer than 6 years breastfed their infants exclusively for at least 16 weeks. In addition, 20% of mothers living in the US from 6 years to 15 years and 17% of mothers living in the US for more than 15 years exclusively breastfed. Longer duration of residence in the US was associated with significantly higher intakes of vegetables, low-fat milk, salty snacks, animal protein, and cereals.
This study examines coverage rates and factors associated with underimmunization at 3 months of age in four medically underserved areas. Vaccination coverage levels at 3 months of age varied across sites: They were 82.4% in northern Manhattan, 70.5% in Detroit, 82.3% in San Diego, and 75.8% in rural Colorado. Among children who were not up to date, the majority (65.7% to 71.5%, per site) had not received vaccines because of missed opportunities.
The researchers examines the association between childhood obesity and preschool enrollment and number of hours in child care among low-income preschool-aged children participating in the WIC Program. Children enrolled in preschool for more than 4 days per week were less likely to be obese. Meanwhile, children who watched at least an hour or more per day of TV and videos or who had mothers with higher body mass indices were more likely to be obese.
The goal of this study was to assess the accuracy of maternal perceptions of their children's weight status. Almost all mothers in the study classified their overweight or obese child as being about the right weight. As a result, they might not see obesity interventions as relevant to their families. researchers concluded that parents need education in two areas: (1) how to identify whether their children are overweight or obese and (2) the consequences of obesity.
Using a pretest/posttest study design, the authors conducted a staff wellness pilot intervention program to improve staff self-efficacy in counseling WIC clients about childhood overweight in six sites of the California WIC Program. The results showed that intervention site staff were more likely to report that they felt their health habits were setting a good example for WIC clients. In addition, they were more motivated to eat healthy diets and be physically active. Furthermore, they felt more comfortable counseling WIC clients about how to improve their childs weight status and to be more physically active with their families.
The purpose of the study was to understand the relationship between overweight status in low-income Mexican-American preschool-aged children and child-feeding practices, as well as other factors. The results indicated that birth weight, a mother's body mass index of 30 or above, and juice intake were positively related to overweight status. Children participating in the WIC Program were less likely to be overweight.
An intervention piloted an education program with a GWG tracker for women enrolled in WIC. The pilot was most successful for overweight women, and provides evidence for a simple weight tracking intervention to assist WIC participants with GWG.
