Unconditional Cash Transfer May Increase Breastfeeding Rates
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, May 29, 2025 -- Unconditional cash transfers (UCTs) through U.S. social programs may increase breastfeeding rates, including in persons with low income, according to a study published online May 27 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Sahar A. Choudhry, M.P.H., from Boston Medical Center, and colleagues summarized evidence on UCTs and postpartum outcomes in the United States using data for 11 reports from six studies. Four quasi-experimental (QE) studies examined three social programs, two of which targeted low-income populations, and seven reports from two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examined direct cash transfers to postpartum persons with low income.
The researchers found an increase in breastfeeding rates with UCTs (high strength of evidence: two RCTs, two QE studies), while little or no difference was seen in postpartum mood (high strength of evidence: one RCT, two QE studies). For all other associations, low strength of evidence or insufficient evidence was seen.
"Evidence suggests that associations between UCTs and other postpartum outcomes are either neutral or inconclusive," the authors write. "We found no evidence of harm. However, data are lacking on key outcomes along the theoretical pathway from UCTs to postpartum health and survival."
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted May 2025
Read this next
One in 60 Women Undergoing C-Section Experience Severe Perioperative Morbidity
TUESDAY, Sept. 2, 2025 -- Nearly one in 60 patients undergoing cesarean delivery experiences severe perioperative surgical morbidity, according to a study published online Aug. 21...
2010 to 2023 Saw Decline in Births, Increase in Deaths in the United States
FRIDAY, Aug. 29, 2025 -- From 2010 to 2023, the number of births in the United States declined, and the number of deaths increased, according to the Aug. 27 National Vital...
Many Women Have Preexisting Modifiable Risk Factors for Birth Defects
TUESDAY, Aug. 26, 2025 -- About two-thirds of reproductive-aged women in the United States have preexisting modifiable risk factors for birth defects, according to a study...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.