Maternal and Child Health: Nutrition and Breastfeeding

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What percentage of infants were exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of their lives in 2016?

57% (correct)

84%

36%

69%

What organization tracks rates of breastfeeding at discharge from the hospital and at follow-up times through telephone surveys?

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

American Academy of Pediatrics

World Health Organization (WHO)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (correct)

What is the recommended duration for exclusive breastfeeding by medical and public health organizations?

At least 1 year

At least 2 years

At least 3 months

At least 6 months (correct)

What percentage of infants were breastfed at 12 months in 2016?

36% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of breastfeeding, according to public health organizations?

Reducing the risk of infectious diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate percentage of women with a high school diploma or less who initiated breastfeeding in 2016?

72% Signup and view all the answers

What federal programs originated in the 1960s to ensure adequate nutrition for poor families?

Food assistance programs run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate percentage of Hispanic mothers who initiated breastfeeding in 2016?

85% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)?

To provide vouchers for nutritious foods to pregnant women, lactating mothers, infants, and children Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of the WIC program, according to the USDA evaluation?

Reduced medical costs for women and infants Signup and view all the answers

Which federal program provides meals during school vacation periods?

Summer Food Service Program Signup and view all the answers

What is the eligibility requirement for children to receive free or reduced-price school lunches?

Household income at or below 185% of the poverty level Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?

To help low-income families afford adequate food Signup and view all the answers

What is the limitation placed on the use of SNAP benefits?

Cannot be used to purchase nonfood items Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of households that were food insecure in 2018, according to USDA surveys?

11.1% Signup and view all the answers

Which groups are most likely to experience food insecurity, according to the text?

Families headed by single women with children and black and Hispanic households Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Maternal and Child Health Programs

Nutrition has been an important component of maternal and child health programs since the establishment of milk stations in the 1890s
The initial focus was on breastfeeding and the safety of milk and baby foods
Breastfeeding is recommended by medical and public health organizations for the first 6 months of an infant's life and continued until at least their first birthday

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Reduces the risk of infectious diseases, ear infections, respiratory infections, obesity, and chronic diseases such as asthma and allergies
Offers the healthiest start in life for most infants

Breastfeeding Rates

In 2016, 84% of infants were ever breastfed
57% of infants were still breastfed at 6 months and 36% were still breastfed at 12 months
Rates vary depending on the age and education of the mothers
72% of women with a high school diploma or less initiated breastfeeding, compared to 88% of women with at least a bachelor's degree
69% of women younger than age 20 initiated breastfeeding
In 2016, 78% of white mothers, 60% of black mothers, and 85% of Hispanic mothers breastfed

Food Assistance Programs

The federal government established food assistance programs during the Great Depression of the 1930s
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides vouchers for nutritious foods and nutrition education
WIC is effective in saving medical costs for participating women and infants

School Meals Program

The School Meals Program provides school lunches that meet certain nutritional standards
Children from households with incomes at or below 185% of the poverty level receive lunches for free or at reduced prices
A limited number of children receive free or reduced-price school breakfasts and after-school snacks
The Summer Food Service Program provides meals during school vacation periods

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP provides an electronic benefits transfer card to families based on their size and income
The card can be used to buy nutritious foods at grocery stores
Benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, or nonfood items
Some limitations are placed on immigrant families' eligibility to receive SNAP benefits

Food Insecurity

11.1% of households were food insecure in 2018, meaning they had limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate foods
Families headed by single women with children and black and Hispanic households are the most likely to experience food insecurity

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the importance of nutrition and breastfeeding in maternal and child health programs, including its benefits in reducing risks of infectious diseases and chronic conditions.