Economic benefit of breast-feeding infants enrolled in WIC

Family Economics and Nutrition Review, Summer, 1997

Montgomery, D.L. and Splett, P.L. 1997. Economic benefit of breast-feeding infants enrolled in WIC. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 97(4):379-385.

Breast-feeding is known to reduce illness and significantly lower mortality and morbidity rates for infants. This study shows that it is also economically beneficial. Based on savings realized within this study cohort, breast-feeding for only the first 3 months of an infant's life could save approximately $4.0 million in WIC costs nationally. Savings realized by WIC from women who breast-feed can be used to serve more participants and to help finance breast-feeding promotion and support activities.