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Effect of Professional Postpartum Support on Infant Feeding Patterns Among Breastfeeding Participants in the WIC Program
Author(s) -
Chezem Jo Carol,
Friesen Carol A.,
Parker Catherine G.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
family and consumer sciences research journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.372
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1552-3934
pISSN - 1077-727X
DOI - 10.1177/1077727x04263843
Subject(s) - breastfeeding , medicine , intervention (counseling) , breast feeding , lactation , infant formula , nursing , family medicine , pediatrics , pregnancy , biology , genetics
The purpose of this study was to determine if professional breastfeeding support could postpone formula introduction and prolong breastfeeding among participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Fifty women in the experimental group received home visits and phone calls from a lactation educator following hospital discharge; 50 control group women were encouraged to contact a lactation educator as needed. Infants' ages at formula introduction and breastfeeding continuation rates were not significantly different between the groups. Common reasons for breastfeeding cessation included returning to work/school, inadequate milk supply, and latch‐on/suckling problems. Use of telephone contacts, delay of breastfeeding support until after hospital discharge, and early formula supplementation may have contributed to the ineffectiveness of the intervention.