Promoting Responsive Bottle-Feeding Within WIC: Evaluation of a Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Approach

Published: June 2021

Journal: J Acad Nutr Diet

Authors: Ventura AK, Garcia KS, Meza M, Rodriguez E, Martinez CE, Whaley SE

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Bottle-fed infants are at greater risk for overfeeding and rapid weight gain (RWG), so evidence-based strategies for promoting healthy bottle-feeding practices are needed. The aim of this study was to assess whether policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) strategies for promoting responsive bottle-feeding practices within the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) were associated with lower risk for RWG. In a randomized trial, PSE strategies were implemented at 3 WIC clinics in Los Angeles County. PSE clinics were compared with 3 matched control clinics. Infants in WIC clinics wherein PSE strategies were implemented had 64% lower likelihood of exhibiting rapid weight gain compared with infants in control clinics. Prevalence of exclusive and any breastfeeding was similar for mothers in the PSE and control clinics, suggesting the PSE strategies did not negatively affect breastfeeding support.

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Focus Areas: Beverages, Early Childhood, Nutrition Policy & Programs

State: California

Keywords: Infant Feeding, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Resource Type: Journal Article

Age Group: Pregnant women, infants and toddlers (ages 0 to 2)

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