Benefits associated with WIC supplemental feeding during the interpregnancy interval.

Interpregnancy WIC supplementation was evaluated by comparing maternal nutritional status indicators and subsequent birth outcomes of 703 WIC participants divided into two groups. Study group women received postpartum benefits for 5-7 mo while control group women received postpartum benefits for only 0-2 mo. Both groups received prenatal benefits during each of two study pregnancies. Infants born to study group women had a higher mean birthweight (131 g) and birthlength (0.3 cm) and a lower risk of being less than or equal to 2500 g. Additionally, at the onset of the second pregnancy study group women had higher mean hemoglobin levels and lower risk of maternal obesity. These results suggest that postpartum WIC supplementation has positive benefits for both the mother and her subsequent infants.