FIGURE 2-5. Six-month breastfeeding prevalence: 1971–2013.

FIGURE 2-5Six-month breastfeeding prevalence: 1971–2013

NOTES: Data exclusively for WIC eligible, nonparticipants were not available. Therefore, the comparison of all infants to WIC infants is an underestimate of the difference of interest, namely WIC nonparticipants vs. WIC-participating infants. Two data sources were used to construct this time series: the Ross Laboratories Mothers' Survey (Ryan et al., 2002) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2015). The Ross Laboratories Mothers' Survey is a large national survey conducted by Ross Laboratories, a manufacturer of infant formula. Ross sent questionnaires each month to a sample of mothers. Nearly 1 million surveys were sent annually in the 1990s (Ryan, 2005). For example, in 1996, 744,000 questionnaires were mailed (Ryan et al., 2002). Data for 1971 to 1999 are from the Ross Mothers' Survey. Line breaks indicate missing data.

SOURCES: Ryan et al., 2002; CDC, 2015.

From: 2, The WIC Program: Changes Since the Last Review and Continuing Challenges

Cover of Review of WIC Food Packages
Review of WIC Food Packages: Improving Balance and Choice: Final Report.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Food and Nutrition Board; Committee to Review WIC Food Packages.
Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2017 May 1.
Copyright 2017 by the National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

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