Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
Percent of infants participating in WIC who are breastfeeding at 6 weeks of age.
Current Value
50%
Definition
Story Behind the Curve
Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses. Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.
Breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests, are less likely to be overweight or obese and less prone to diabetes later in life. Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers. World Health Organization
In a study conducted by Ware, et al (2019), "in an urban area with high infant mortality and low breastfeeding rates, initiation of breastfeeding was significantly associated with reductions in overall infant mortality, neonatal mortality, and infection-related deaths. Breastfeeding promotion, protection, and support should be an integral strategy of infant mortality reduction initiatives." Associations Between Breastfeeding Initiation and Infant Mortality in an Urban Population
While we have seen some increase, rates appear to be stable in Pitt County. We would like to increase this percentage. We hope that staffing will improve and having all positions filled will help. We also feel like again, being back at the hospital may help keep our mothers better engaged with our peer counselors and other breastfeeding professionals.
Partners
Particicipants themselves
WIC Staff
Breastfeeding Peer Counelors
PCHD Programs
Hospital
Providers
What Works
Peer counselor programs that continue to reach out to moms after delivery
Pediatrian/OBGyn offices who encourage moms to continue breastfeeding
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 in the Peer Counseling Program
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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