Welfare work requirements and child well-being: Evidence from the effects on breast-feeding

Abstract

Reardon, two anonymous referees, and the editor for helpful comments. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the authors and should not be construed as representing the opinions or policy of any of the sponsors or related agencies. ABSTRACTA central theme of welfare reform is recipients are required to engage in work activities. In many states these work requirements apply to mothers whose children are a few months old, potentially increasing the costs and decreasing the prevalence of breastfeeding. Given the substantial benefits of breastfeeding, any reduction represents an important negative consequence of these requirements. Our results suggest that, in the absence of welfare reform, the national breastfeeding rate six months after birth would have been 5.5% higher in 2000. Such negative consequences of these policies must be weighed against potential benefits as states refine their welfare programs.

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