In a statewide sample of WIC participants, Hispanic mothers are more likely to follow AAP infant feeding recommendations than African American or White mothers

Abstract

Objective To examine how maternal infant feeding practices vary by ethnicity in a low-income statewide sample. Methods Bilingual interviewers conducted a survey on 795 mothers of infants under 13 mos who received WIC in 2004–2005. Results Rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration varied by ethnicity. Hispanic mothers (87%) were more likely to initiate breastfeeding than African American (62%)or White (58%) mothers, OR = 7.5, CI (4.0–14.1), p < .01. Hispanic mothers (4.8 mos) breastfed longer than either African American (3.8 mos) or White mothers (3.8 mos), F = 6.2, p < .01. As compared to African American and White mothers, Hispanic mothers were more likely (χ2 = 81.9, p < .01) to stop breastfeeding based on perceptions of decreased milk supply and infant hunger than concerns regarding breastfeeding pain and the need to return to work. Hispanic mothers (16%) were less likely to introduce solids before 4 mos of age than African American (42%) or White (39.5%) mothers, OR = .029, CI (.16–.53), p < .01. Hispanic mothers (30%) were less likely to add cereal to the bottle than African American (56%) and White (35%) mothers, OR = .56, CI (.35–.89), p = .016. Conclusion Hispanic mothers were more likely to follow AAP infant feeding recommendations. Further research is needed to examine the impact of these ethnic differences on feeding practices on infant nutrition and growth.