Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
Percent of women participating in WIC who initiate breastfeeding
Current Value
58%
Definition
Provision of mother’s breast milk to infants within one hour of birth is referred to as “early initiation of breastfeeding” and ensures that the infant receives the colostrum, or “first milk”, which is rich in protective factors.
Current evidence indicates that skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant shortly after birth helps to initiate early breastfeeding and increases the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding for one to four months of life as well as the overall duration of breastfeeding.
Story Behind the Curve
"More than 80% of women in the U.S. initiate breastfeeding, but only 25.8% exclusively breastfeed by six months. In addition, 19% of breastfed infants receive infant formula supplements in the first 48 hours after birth.
There are significant sociodemographic and cultural differences in breastfeeding, with the lowest rates of initiation among non-Hispanic Black or African American populations. Similar disparities exist among low-income mothers, younger women and those with a high school education or less.
"Pediatricians’ communication with families about the benefits of breastfeeding can increase initiation, duration and exclusivity." https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/20528/Updated-AAP-guidance-recommends-longer
Historically, the Pitt County WIC Program has focused on breastfeeding initiatives including peer counselor services, breast pump loans and support and education programs. While we know that we have work to be done and progress to be made, we have kept our initiation rates stable, despite being short staffed during the last several years.
2023-2024: We also continued to have our Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program in place and made provisions to provide breast pumps either by curbside or porch drop off. While we had the waivers in place and had limited ability to see people during Covid, there was also a formula shortage, which may have impacted the numbers not dropping for initiation rates.
2025: Sharp decline in breastfeeding initiation rate noted. This is closer to pre-COVID and pre-formula shortage rates. The decrease may be influenced by renewed confidence in formula supplies as well as updated work requirements for SNAP resulting in mother-baby separation.
Partners
WIC Staff
Breastfeeding Peer Counselors
Internal Health Department Staff and other programs within the Health Department
Pediatrician Offices
Hospital
Community members/advocates
What Works
New mothers having access to peer counselors or other lactation staff within the first 72 hours of the baby's life.
Pediatrian/OBGyn offices who start conversations about breastfeeding early.
Breastfeeding support networks
Community outreach
Action Plan
Reinstate in-home breastfeeding services.
Return to the hospital, which will enable new mothers to get enrolled postpartum to the WIC Program and introduce them to WIC breastfeeding services faster.
Take WIC and breastfeeding materials to physician/provide/community partner offices
The Maternity Fair will happen again this year and we intend to be present.
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