Breast-feeding attitudes and behavior among WIC mothers in Texas.

J Nutr Educ Behav

Office of Program Decision Support, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX 78756, USA.

Published: August 2010

Objective: This study explored the influence of demographic characteristics on attitudes toward the benefits of breast-feeding, approval of public breast-feeding, and the use of infant formula. Additionally, the study examined whether attitudes were related to infant feeding practices among mothers enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Texas.

Design: This study used a cross-sectional design.

Setting: Participants completed questionnaires at WIC clinic sites across Texas.

Participants: Mothers of young children who were receiving WIC benefits.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Attitudes toward the benefits of breast-feeding, attitudes toward public breast-feeding, attitudes toward infant formula, and the choice of infant feeding practice.

Analysis: Descriptive statistics, multivariate ordinary least squares regression, and multinomial logistic regression.

Results: A key finding was that many Hispanic mothers held favorable attitudes toward both breast milk and infant formula. Younger and less educated mothers were least likely to agree with the benefits of breast-feeding. Mothers with positive attitudes toward the benefits of breast-feeding were likely to exclusively breastfeed and use both formula and breast milk.

Conclusions And Implications: Attitudes toward breast-feeding, public breast-feeding, and infant formula and their influence on breast-feeding behavior should inform the curriculum of breast-feeding promotion programs.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2010.02.001DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

benefits breast-feeding
16
infant formula
16
breast-feeding attitudes
12
attitudes benefits
12
public breast-feeding
12
breast-feeding
11
attitudes
8
breast-feeding infant
8
attitudes infant
8
infant feeding
8

Similar Publications

Obstetric outcomes in breastfeeding women in the first hour of delivery before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth

January 2025

Department of Maternal and Child Nursing and Public Health, School of Nursing, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Article Synopsis
  • Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for both mothers and newborns, acting as a protective factor against infant illness and mortality.
  • The study aimed to compare obstetric outcomes between women who breastfed and those who did not, using data from two different time periods: during the pandemic and pre-pandemic.
  • Results indicated that fewer women breastfed within the first hour after delivery during the pandemic, with non-infected mothers having better outcomes regarding vaginal delivery and breastfeeding compared to infected or suspected cases.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Maternal Lifestyle Factors Affecting Breast Milk Composition and Infant Health: A Systematic Review.

Nutrients

December 2024

Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "GF Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.

Background/objectives: Breast milk is a dynamic, personalized nutrition source, influenced by maternal diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors, which shape its composition and impact infant health. This review synthesizes evidence on the associations between maternal lifestyles (e.g.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Relactation is the process of re-establishing breastfeeding after stopping or after a period of little breastfeeding. The study aimed to assess the Relactation Supportive Program (RSP)'s efficacy in sustaining breastfeeding and to determine the impact of RSP on breastfeeding initiation, timing, and correlation with the lactation gap.

Methods:  A prospective observational study was done with 60 infant-mother dyads, aged seven days to 14 weeks who stopped breastfeeding for 6-28 days or never breastfed.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Human milk, especially the mother's own milk (MOM), is highly recommended for preterm babies considering its numerous benefits. Prioritising the use of exclusive MOM in enteral feeding plans is essential for maximising the health and development of preterm babies. This study evaluated the effect of early establishment of full enteral feed (FEF) with exclusive MOM on feeding rate and neonatal nutritional outcomes at discharge among preterm babies.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) face a significantly heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) later in life. Breastfeeding (BF) has been identified as a potential strategy to delay or prevent T2DM; however, women with GDM often encounter barriers in initiating and maintaining adequate BF practices compared to those with uncomplicated pregnancies. This paradox prompts an exploration into the causes of these BF challenges and considers the possibility of reverse causation: Does prolonged and intensive BF mitigate the risk of subsequent glucose dysregulation and T2DM? Alternatively, do women with compromised insulin secretion and sensitivity, who are predisposed to T2DM, struggle to sustain intensive BF practices? This narrative review aims to explore the interplay between GDM, BF, and T2DM development by examining the different factors that present BF challenges among women with GDM.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!