The Impact of Federal Policy Changes and Initiatives on Breastfeeding Initiation Rates and Attitudes Toward Breastfeeding Among WIC Participants

Abstract

To explore the effects of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) on participants' breastfeeding (BF) practices, studies that use large national samples are warranted. The US Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service funded several studies that leveraged national samples of WIC agencies, sites, and participants to evaluate how WIC affects BF outcomes among its participants. This report integrates findings across multiple Food and Nutrition Service–funded studies to describe important program benefits and how the program and its benefits supported positive attitudes and beliefs toward BF, as well as higher rates of BF initiation. The report concludes with policy implications and suggestions for future research.