In the last 25 years, the WIC program has had a positive influence on the perinatal outcomes of WIC participants. In addition, breastfeeding promotion has received increased attention by the WIC Program in the past 10 years, with accompanying increases in breastfeeding rates among WIC participants. The question addressed in this research is whether employment at WIC impacts perinatal outcomes and breastfeeding activities of WIC employees. It was hypothesized that WIC employees would have significantly better birth outcomes, and would initiate and continue to breastfeed for significantly longer than the national average. Four agencies in the Los Angeles area participated in the study. All employees (N=121) who gave birth between July, 1996 and January, 1999 were interviewed about their pre- and perinatal activities, birth outcomes, breastfeeding initiation and duration. Results of the study show that employees of WIC significantly exceed the national health objectives for breastfeeding. 100% of WIC employees initiate breastfeeding and 90% continue to at least six months, compared to the national objectives of at least 75% initiation and at least 50% six month duration. WIC employees tend to exclusively breastfeed their infants, and if they do introduce formula, it is not introduced until well into the 4th month. The association between these high breastfeeding rates and the number and quality of perinatal support activities available to WIC employees will be explored in this session.
Learning Objectives: The participant will be able to identify the components of an employee perinatal support program. The participant will be able to identify the influence that working for the WIC program has on breastfeeding duration. The participant will be able to consider the potential applications of a perinatal support program in their place of employment
Keywords: Perinatal Outcomes, Breast Feeding
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: WIC
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.