Foodpackage assignments and breastfeeding initiation before and after

Food-package assignments and breastfeeding initiation before and after a change in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Parke Wilde, Anne Wolf, Meena Fernandes, and Ann Collins Amy Le

Introduction � � The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and health referrals to low-income mothers and their children.

Introduction cont. � In 2009, the USDA implemented a new rule that changed the prescribed foods in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

WIC Food-Package Options � � � 1) Full breastfeeding package with no infant formula 2) A partial breastfeeding package with some infant formula. 3)A full formula package with a smaller postpartum food package for mother

Hypothesis: The recent changes would encourage more mothers to breastfeed their infants in the WIC Program. Goal: Increase breastfeeding initiation in WIC mothers Objective: Measure changes in 3 outcomes: WIC food-package assignments, WIC infant formula amounts, and breastfeeding initiation.

Methods � Researchers compared the data outcomes before and after the implementation of the interim rule. � Random Sample from 17 local WIC agencies in 10 states ◦ California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Utah � 206, 096 infants aged 0 -5 mo

Methods cont. � Outcome measures ◦ Used two types of information for the administrative records: � 1) Status of mother (pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum) � 2) Specific food quantities received � Breastfeeding initiation ◦ Mothers are asked by WIC program if they are currently breastfeeding or tried breastfeeding

Results

Discussion/Conclusions � The new rule implemented by the USDA did not change the rate of breastfeeding initiation in WIC mothers. � There was changes in WIC food-package assignments and infant formula amounts

Discussion/Conclusions cont. � Partial breastfeeding package ◦ 24. 7% → 13. 8% � Full breastfeeding package � Full formula package ◦ 9. 8% → 17. 1% ◦ 20. 5% – 28. 5%

Final Statement � Still important to encourage breastfeeding in the WIC program. � Breastfed infants are healthier � Reduces the risk of sudden infant syndrome (SIDS) � Less likely to become overweight or obese as adults � Breastfeeding reduces health care costs � Environmentally sound � Future Research: Expand sample size