Educational intervention to modify bottle-feeding behaviors among formula-feeding mothers in the WIC program: impact on infant formula intake and weight gain.
OBJECTIVE
Formula-fed infants gain weight faster than breastfed infants. This study evaluated whether encouraging formula-feeding caregivers to be sensitive to infant satiety cues would alter feeding practices and reduce infant formula intake and weight gain.


METHODS
Double-blind, randomized educational intervention, with intake and growth measured before (at 1 to 2 months) and after (4 to 5 months) the intervention.


METHODS
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinics in Sacramento, California.


METHODS
836 caregivers of young infants were screened; 214 were eligible, and 104 agreed to participate.


METHODS
Intervention subjects received education promoting awareness of satiety cues and discouraging bottles containing more than 6 ounces before 4 months of age; intervention and control groups received education regarding introduction and feeding of solid food after 4 months of age.


METHODS
Formula intake (mL/24 hours) and weight gain (g/week).


METHODS
Differences between groups evaluated using 2-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).


RESULTS
Sixty-one subjects completed baseline records, 44 attended class, and 38 completed the study. Despite a positive response to the educational intervention, there was no change in bottle-feeding behaviors (formula intake at 4 to 5 months was more than 1100 mL/day in both groups). Infant growth in the intervention group was greater than in the control group (P < .01), contrary to the hypothesis.


CONCLUSIONS
The intervention improved knowledge of the key messages, but further research is needed to understand barriers to modifying bottle-feeding behaviors.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37996-1920, USA. kkavanag@utk.edu
Katherine F
KF
Kavanagh
Roberta J
RJ
Cohen
M Jane
MJ
Heinig
Kathryn G
KG
Dewey
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001903:Bottle Feeding; D002662:Child Health Services; D003463:Cues; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008427:Maternal Health Services; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D011203:Poverty; D011632:Public Assistance; D012527:Satiation / Q000502:physiology*; D014481:United States; D015430:Weight Gain