Mary Hrabonz

Date Approved

2016

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Health Sciences

Committee Member

Anahita Mistry

Committee Member

Julie Lothamer

Abstract

This study examined the effects of attending a breastfeeding class on initiation and duration of breastfeeding in low-income women who participated in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in Oakland County, Michigan. Racially and culturally diverse pregnant women over the age of 18 years of age who took part in the WIC program were surveyed. The control group (n=75) did not attend a breastfeeding class but expressed an interest in breastfeeding. The intervention group (n=75) participated in the breastfeeding class. Breastfeeding data were collected until six months postpartum. Women who attended the breastfeeding class, breastfed for a significantly (p<.001) longer time than those who did not. The breastfeeding class did not have a significant impact on initiation of breastfeeding. Further exploration of programs and services to improve breastfeeding rates among low-income women who participate in the WIC Program is needed to further characterize the relationship between education and breastfeeding.

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