WIC Research, Policy and Practice Hub WIC Research, Policy and Practice Hub

Scope: Research

Breastfeeding and WIC Enrollment in the Nurse Family Partnership Program

This study explored the association of WIC and lower breastfeeding rates in the Nurse Family Partnership Program. The results showed that when their child was 6 months old, 87.8% of mothers who were not breastfeeding were enrolled in WIC and that 82.6% of mothers who were breastfeeding were enrolled in WIC.

Assignment to a Hospital-Based Breastfeeding Clinic and Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Immigrant Hispanic Mothers: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

A randomized controlled trial was used to determine whether assigning mixed feeders to a breastfeeding clinic within 1 week postpartum would increase exclusive breastfeeding at 1 month, among Hispanic immigrants. Results indicated that the intervention group was more likely to exclusively breastfeed; that the incidence of formula supplementation did not differ between groups; and that the intervention group was less likely to supplement with water and tea.

Variation in Breastfeeding Behaviors, Perceptions, and Experiences by Race/Ethnicity Among a Low-Income Statewide Sample of Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Participants in the United States

This study examines how breastfeeding behaviors, perceptions, and experiences vary by race and ethnicity among a low-income sample in the US. The authors concluded that although breastfeeding initiation rates approached the Healthy People 2010 goals, breastfeeding duration remained far below these goals. Racial and ethnic differences in experiences related to breastfeeding cessation suggested that culturally sensitive breastfeeding interventions were necessary.

Prenatal Breastfeeding Education and Breastfeeding Outcomes

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of various breastfeeding outcomes for three cohorts who received different methods of prenatal breastfeeding education. Results showed that women who attended prenatal breastfeeding classes had significantly increased breastfeeding rates at 6 months, when compared with controls. There was no significant difference in rates among the types of classes offered.

Maternal Breastfeeding Attitudes: Association with Breastfeeding Intent and Socio-Demographics Among Urban Primiparas

The purpose of this study was to determine whether breastfeeding attitudes were associated with breastfeeding intent and sociodemographic variables. The findings suggested that targeting breastfeeding initiatives toward low-income, less-educated, US-born mothers who lacked breastfeeding support from their loved ones might improve breastfeeding rates among urban first-time mothers.

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.