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Resource Types: Journal Article

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.

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.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children and Infant Feeding Practices

This study examines the association between a mothers participation in the WIC Program and adherence to four American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations on infant feeding. WIC participants were 8.5 percentage points less likely than non-participants to adhere to the AAP recommendation to delay introduction of infant formula until month 6. However, the difference between participants and non-participants disappeared by month 6.

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.

A Qualitative Evaluation of a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program

The purpose of this study was to identify the program strengths, operational procedures, and improvement areas from participants; and peer counselors ; perspectives. Findings revealed that peer counselors and participants were satisfied with the quality of services for both emotional and practical assistance, as well as with the breast pumps.

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.