The differential impact of WIC peer counseling programs on breastfeeding initiation across the state of Maryland.
This cross-sectional study examines Maryland's women, infants, and children (WIC) breastfeeding initiation rates by program participation. The authors report on data regarding demographic and health characteristics and infant feeding practices for infants (n = 18,789) newly WIC-certified from January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2007. The authors compared self-reported, breastfeeding initiation rates for 3 groups: peer counselor (PC-treatment group) and two comparison groups, lactation consultant (LC), and standard care group (SCG). Reported breastfeeding initiation at certification was 55.4%. Multiple logistic regression analysis, controlling for relevant maternal and infant characteristics, showed that the odds of breastfeeding initiation were significantly greater among PC-exposed infants (OR [95% CI] 1.27 [1.18, 1.37]) compared to the reference group of SCG infants, but not significantly different between LC infants (1.04 [0.96, 1.14]) and the SCG. LC and SCG infants had similar odds of breastfeeding initiation. In the Maryland WIC program, breastfeeding initiation rates were positively associated with peer counseling.
Gross
Susan M
SM
Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University, W4033 Wolfe Street Building, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. sgrossphd@yahoo.com
Resnik
Amy K
AK
Cross-Barnet
Caitlin
C
Nanda
Joy P
JP
Augustyn
Marycatherine
M
Paige
David M
DM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003376:Counseling; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008396:Maryland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010379:Peer Group; D011203:Poverty; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011632:Public Assistance; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult