Breastfeeding Attitudes and Reported Problems in a National Sample of WIC Participants

Abstract

Recent reports indicate that breastfeeding rates continue to be dramatically lower among WIC participants, compared with other US mothers. 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 about infant-feeding practices. Hispanic mothers were most likely to agree with statements about benefits of breastfeeding, and Black mothers were most likely to agree with statements about barriers. Concern about insufficient milk was common in all ethnic groups. Perceived benefits were associated with breastfeeding initiation (P < .05), longer breastfeeding duration (P < .01), and later formula initiation (P < .01); for barriers, the opposite pattern was found. Breastfeeding mothers who reported concern about insufficient milk breastfed for shorter durations (P < .001) and initiated formula earlier (P < .01). These results suggest possible messages that should be communicated as part of a re-energized WIC breastfeeding promotion campaign. In particular, maternal anxiety about insufficient breast milk must be addressed.

Factors Related to Breastfeeding Discontinuation Between Hospital Discharge and 2 Weeks Postpartum

“…In one study, women who had Medicaid insurance and were enrolled in WIC programs were less likely to breastfeed (Chin et al, 2008). In another study, more than 50% of women enrolled in WIC initiated breastfeeding, yet only 25% of those women continued breastfeeding at 6 months (McCann et al, 2007). Hospitals where the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative was implemented had increased breastfeeding rates regardless of the socioeconomic status of women.…”

“…Fears of inadequate milk supply, painful breasts, and latching difficulties can be addressed through patient education (Hannula et al, 2008;Swanson & Power, 2005). Women who participated in a study by McCann et al (2007) reported concerns about clinicians have adequate knowledge and skills for educating and supporting women to increase the duration of breastfeeding (Taveras et al, 2003).…”

“…According to McCann et al (2007), less than 50% of women enrolled in a Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program initiate breastfeeding, and less than 25% of those women are breastfeeding their infants at 6 months postpartum. Of the women enrolled in McCann et al's study, non-Hispanic Black mothers were less likely than Hispanic or White mothers to breastfeed.…”

“…Clinicians who are in contact with the mother and infant can affect the duration of breastfeeding by providing positive support, problem solving, and continued patient education. Because of the influence they have, it is important that Furthermore, breastfeeding disparities extend across racial, socioeconomic, and educational lines, affecting both breastfeeding initiation and duration (Chalmers et al, 2009;Chin, Myers, & Magnus, 2008;Kelly, Watt, & Nazroo, 2006;Kiernan & Pickett, 2006;McCann, Baydar, & Williams, 2007). Although breastfeeding is encouraged, it is often not maintained.…”

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Early, Undesired Weaning Attributed to Lactation Dysfunction

“…However, we were not able validate self-report against clinical assessment. Perception of insufficient milk supply is common, 44 and such perception is correlated with low parenting self-efficacy. 45 Of note, a recent study found that parenting magazines targeting lowincome women were more likely to focus on difficulties with breastfeeding than was a magazine targeting high-income women.…”