Predictors of breast-feeding duration among WIC and non-WIC mothers.

Many women cease breast-feeding during the first eight weeks after childbirth. Few studies have assessed the relationship of social status to the duration of breast-feeding. This research identified variables that predicted breast-feeding duration for the first eight weeks postpartum among mothers enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and those not enrolled. Participation in the WIC program was used as a criterion for measuring socioeconomic status. A total of 400 mothers completed the survey: 200 WIC and 200 non-WIC. A combination of five variables--introduction of formula, maternal perceived success, frequency of breastfeeding, income, and time of initiation of breast-feeding after delivery--explained 48% of the variance in the duration of breast-feeding. The best predictor, introduction of formula, alone accounted for 30% of the variance. There was no difference between aggregates with respect to breast-feeding duration. Findings suggest that a number of variables can be used to identify those at risk for unsuccessful or curtailed breast-feeding, with introduction of formula being the most detrimental.