Resource Types: <span>Journal Article</span>

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.

Predictors of Improvement in Hemoglobin Concentration among Toddlers Enrolled in the Massachusetts WIC Program

This study identified determinants of improvement in hemoglobin concentration among young children enrolled in the WIC Program. researchers found that female babies who breastfed for at least 25 weeks increased their hemoglobin concentrations from age 1 to 2 years.

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.

Regional and Sociodemographic Variation of Breastfeeding in the United States, 2002

The authors analyzed data from the Ross Mothers Survey rates for breastfeeding in the hospital and at 6 months within four geographic regions of the US. The results showed that college education and non-participation in the WIC Program were the strongest predictors of breastfeeding in the hospital.

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.

Evaluation of a Comprehensive Loving Support Program among State Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program Breastfeeding Coordinators

Mississippi was selected as a pilot state in the national breastfeeding promotion campaign titled Loving Support Makes Breastfeeding Work; To reinforce the national project, the Mississippi WIC Breastfeeding Promotion Project Team developed a comprehensive program that included patient and family education, staff training, public awareness activities, health professional outreach, and partnership with the community. WIC staff cited staff training, community outreach, and peer counseling as the most beneficial activities.

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.

Assessing Infant Breastfeeding Beliefs Among Low-Income Mexican Americans

This study involved conducting focus group discussions on breastfeeding beliefs and perceptions with low-income pregnant women and new mothers receiving services from WIC. Participants identified time, embarrassment, and pain as barriers to breastfeeding; discussed decision-making efforts regarding breastfeeding; identified cultural beliefs related to breastfeeding; and discussed the lack of care-provider support for breastfeeding.

Resource Types: Journal Article