Abstract
WIC participants have breastfeeding initiation and duration rates lower than non‐participants possibly due to the formula provided by WIC. The main objective of this study was to determine the impact of receiving infant formula on a WIC mother’s decision to discontinue breastfeeding. The research also determined mothers’ understanding of the benefits of breastfeeding and how she dealt with breastfeeding difficulties. It was a one‐on‐one interview with WIC participants at the Independence, Missouri office. The majority of the 29 participants were Caucasian (69%) and ages ranged from 17 to 29, with an average of 22.5+3.68. Only eight participants admitted that the formula impacted their decision to discontinue breastfeeding. Twenty‐eight participants indicated that breastfeeding is healthier than formula and each participant gave an average of three specific benefits. Twenty‐two participants stated they knew additional formula was needed, yet, learned by experience. Pumping was the most common way of dealing with breastfeeding complications. Formula provision may be a breastfeeding barrier for some WIC mothers, and WIC must continue to increase its breastfeeding rates, yet it is rewarding to know that participants are grateful they can feed their babies and know they can go to WIC for help for various services.
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