The purpose of this study was to explore how mothers of different races/ethnicities make decisions to continue exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months under the theory of planned behavior. Intentions to continue EBF for 6 months were similar across racial/ethnic groups. The intention to breastfeed was explained most by the three theoretical constructs: attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control.
Researchers used data from a longitudinal study of postpartum depression to examine factors related to very early discontinuation of breastfeeding (at 2 weeks postpartum). They concluded that expectant and new mothers, especially women who encounter multiple barriers to continuing breastfeeding, could increase duration rates if ; they are (1) educated about the benefits of breastfeeding and (2) supported in developing efficient techniques and problem-solving skills.
This study explored whether breastfeeding patterns during the period between birth and postnatal WIC certification differed by participation in a local WIC agency that provided breastfeeding peer counselor support (PC), versus two comparison groups: the lactation consultant (LC) and standard care (SC) groups. The breastfeeding initiation rate was higher for the PC group, compared with the LC and SC groups. Participants in the PC group were also more likely to certify as exclusively and partially breastfeeding, compared with those in the LC and SC groups.
The authors studied the development of a protocol that compared issuing multi-user electric breast pumps versus single-user breast pumps to WIC Program participants. An appropriate protocol to administer single-user electric breast pumps was developed and might provide some benefits to both WIC staff and WIC mothers.
The researchers outlined the results from a process evaluation, analyzing the implementation of the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program at the state and local agency levels.
The purpose of this study was to understand the reasons for low rates of breastfeeding and the maternal selection of infant-feeding methods in African-American mothers. Results indicated that mothers wanted to breastfeed for maternal reasons, for infant-related reasons, and because others advised them to breastfeed. Mothers did not want to breastfeed for lifestyle reasons, pain-related reasons, lactation process issues, and hypothetical medical reasons.
The study aimed to use propensity scores and fixed-effects estimation data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics; Child Development Supplement to determine the effect of WIC on breastfeeding initiation and duration. Results indicated that the negative association between WIC and breastfeeding is likely false, arising from the poor sociodemographic profile of participants.
The purpose of this study was to explore how mothers of different races/ethnicities make decisions to continue exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months under the theory of planned behavior. Intentions to continue EBF for 6 months were similar across racial/ethnic groups. The intention to breastfeed was explained most by the three theoretical constructs: attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control.
The researchers analyzed the perceptions of low-income pregnant women about breastfeeding, including the benefits of breastfeeding, maternal concerns, support, and anticipated challenges of combining breastfeeding and work. The results showed that low-income women anticipated substantial barriers to breastfeeding when they planned to combine breastfeeding and work or school.
This study aimed to assess maternal perception of infant-feeding cues and pressuring feeding styles in an urban Latina WIC population. The results suggested that most mothers perceived that babies sensed their own satiety. Two perceptions of feeding cues were related to pressuring feeding style: the beliefs that (1) infant crying must indicate hunger and that (2) infant hand sucking implies hunger. Improving responsiveness to infant cues should be a component of early childhood obesity prevention.
