The effectiveness of a breastfeeding class on initiation and duration of breastfeeding in WIC participants

<p>This study examined the effects of attending a breastfeeding class on initiation and duration of breastfeeding in low-income women who participated in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in Oakland County, Michigan. Racially and culturally diverse pregnant women over the age of 18 years of age who took part in the WIC program were surveyed. The control group (n=75) did not attend a breastfeeding class but expressed an interest in breastfeeding. The intervention group (n=75) participated in the breastfeeding class. Breastfeeding data were collected until six months postpartum. Women who attended the breastfeeding class, breastfed for a significantly (p<.001) longer time than those who did not. The breastfeeding class did not have a significant impact on initiation of breastfeeding. Further exploration of programs and services to improve breastfeeding rates among low-income women who participate in the WIC Program is needed to further characterize the relationship between education and breastfeeding.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health Sciences

Year dc:date.available

2016

Author dc:creator

• Hrabonz, Mary

Contributors dc:contributor

• Anahita Mistry
• Julie Lothamer

• Breastfeeding Class
• WIC Participants
• Medicine and Health Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/819

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-2205