Intervention To Improve Breastfeeding Indicators in Allegheny County Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Participants

Breastfeeding is the optimal method of infant nutrition. Breastfeeding can provide protection from a number of pediatric conditions. However, breastfeeding initiation and breastfeeding continuation rates are below recommended levels in the United States. Improving breastfeeding rates in the United States could significantly decrease infant morbidity and mortality resulting from a number of these conditions. Thus this issue is relevant to public health practice. Rates are particularly low amongst participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This presents a challenge for public health professionals. Proposed is an intervention to increase breastfeeding rates in the Allegheny County, Pennsylvania WIC program by utilizing a breastfeeding peer counseling model and, secondarily, health care provider partnerships to educate participants about the benefits of breastfeeding. \ud The proposed intervention is outlined in two phases along with the proposed budget and evaluation plan. The proposed budget and justification would be suitable for supporting documentation for a Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) grant funding application. \u