Background: Previous research indicates that WIC participants are less likely than non-participants to initiate and continue breastfeeding. For this reason, the United States Department of Agriculture recently has implemented many policies and programs that are intended to promote and support breastfeeding among WIC participants. This study tests the hypothesis that WIC participation leads to increases in breastfeeding initiation and duration.
Methods: Data used in the study come from Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. The analysis sample includes 1,531 children born between 1989-1996. This study estimates multivariate models of breastfeeding initiation and duration that control for a range of variables that influence breastfeeding decisions. Individuals may self-select into the WIC program along unobservable factors that also determine breastfeeding practices. This study employs two methods to account for this possibility, instrumental variables (IV) and fixed effects (FE) models. IV methods also are useful because they link state-level WIC administration policies to participants' breastfeeding practices.
Results: Results indicate that participation in WIC has a statistically significant, negative impact on the probability of initiating breastfeeding, even after controlling for a wide range other maternal and child characteristics. Among mothers who initiated breastfeeding, WIC participation has no impact on the duration of breastfeeding. These findings do not support the hypothesis that the WIC program's efforts to promote and support breastfeeding have been successful. IV and FE models are in progress. These models account for self-selection into WIC based on characteristics that also affect breastfeeding practices.
Learning Objectives: This session will help participants assess the USDA's current efforts to promote breastfeeding in the WIC program.
Keywords: Breast Feeding, WIC
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.