More food for thought—For infants, can we pin down the timing of complementary feeding introduction even more?

Abstract Background Mothers in low-income countries face many challenges to appropriately feed their children in the first year such as poverty, food insecurity and high workloads. However, even in the lowest income families there are mothers who succeed to feed their children according to the recommendations. In this paper, we explored the coping strategies that facilitate appropriate breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices among rural Rwandan mothers from birth to one year of a child’s life. Methods This qualitative longitudinal study recruited a purposive sample of 17 mothers who followed the infant and young child feeding recommendations (IYCF). They were selected from a larger study of 36 mothers. In-depth interviews were conducted with mothers of the total group (36 mothers) within the first week, at 4th, 6th, 9th and 12th months postpartum. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Results Coping strategies included improving mothers’ own diet for adequate breastmilk production, prioritizing child feeding over livelihood chores, livelihood diversification and mothers’ anticipatory behaviors such as preparing child’s food in advance. Some of those coping strategies were shifting overtime depending on the development of the children. Personal factors such as breastfeeding self-efficacy, religious beliefs and perceived benefits of breastfeeding were among the facilitating factors. Additionally, social support that mothers received from family members, other mothers in the community, Community Health Workers (CHWs) and health professionals played an important role. Conclusion In challenging contextual conditions, mothers manage to follow the recommended breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices through the interplay of active coping strategies, feeling to be in control and social support. Nutrition promotion interventions that aim to improve IYCF should consider strengthening mothers’ capability in gaining greater control of their IYCF practices and the factors facilitating their appropriate IYCF practices.

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Effect of using commercial pre-packaged baby foods on the iron intake of 7-8 months old infants

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980021003025 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-21

Author(s):

Celeste Tsz Hei Cheung ◽

Anna M Rangan ◽

Iris Mei Ying Tse ◽

Wai Hung Sit ◽

Jimmy Chun Yu Louie

Keyword(s):

Iron Deficiency ◽

Infant Formula ◽

Nutrient Intake ◽

Complementary Feeding ◽

Sole Source ◽

Potential Effect ◽

Iron Intake ◽

High Iron ◽

Baby Foods ◽

Breastfed Infants

Abstract Objectives To examine the potential effect on iron intake of 7-8 month-old infants if pre-packaged baby foods (PBFs) were used as the sole source of complementary foods. Design: Based on the 7-day recommended feeding plan for 7-8-month-old infants in Hong Kong (moderate iron-fortified rice cereal with home-cooked meals), 24 modelling scenarios were created which comprised of two milk use modes (breastmilk vs. infant formula); three modes of rice cereal use (no rice cereal; non-iron-fortified rice cereal; iron-fortified rice cereal); and four baby foods usage modes (home-cooked meals; low-iron PBFs only; high-iron PBFs only; mixed PBFs). The PBFs were randomly selected in each of the models and substituted the original meals/snacks. The average daily iron intakes of the modelled meal plans were compared against the Chinese estimated average requirement (EAR) and recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for iron. Setting: Modelling study. Participants: N/A. Results: In general, the infant-formula-based complementary feeding pattern (CFP) had higher average daily iron intake when compared with breastmilk-based CFP. The iron intake of all scenarios under the breastmilk-based CFP were below the RNI and EAR, except for the fortified rice cereal meal plans with high-iron or mixed PBFs. For infant-formula-based CFP, the iron intakes were close to or above the RNI regardless of types of PBF or rice cereal used. Conclusions: The inclusion of fortified rice cereal was important in maintaining adequate iron intake for infants, especially for breastfed infants. The replacement of home-cooked meals by low-iron PBFs could potentially put infants at risk of iron deficiency.

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Mothers’ perceptions on and learning from infant and young child feeding videos displayed in Mother and Child Health Centers in Kenya - a qualitative and quantitative approach

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980021002342 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-38

Author(s):

Lauriina Schneider ◽

Mikko Kosola ◽

Kerttu Uusimäki ◽

Sari Ollila ◽

Crippina Lubeka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Child ◽

Complementary Feeding ◽

Health Centers ◽

Child Feeding ◽

Young Child Feeding ◽

Infant And Young Child ◽

Mother And Child Health ◽

Mother And Child ◽

And Child Health ◽

Child Health Centers

Abstract Objective The objective was to explore mothers’ perceptions of educational videos on infant and young child feeding practices, and to assess whether viewing frequencies would influence maternal knowledge, attitudes and feeding practices (KAPs). Design A set of 47 videos were displayed in health centers for 6 months. At three months, we conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with mothers and at six months, administered KAP-questionnaire-based interviews to mothers. Using a quasi-experimental design we compared groups according to video viewing frequencies. Setting The study was conducted in a slum in Nairobi and a rural area in Machakos, Kenya. We installed TV screens in waiting rooms of six Mother and Child Health Centers, where mothers could choose to watch them. Participants Forty-three mothers with children aged 0 to 48 months participated in six FGDs and 547 mothers of children aged 0 to 23 months in KAP interviews. Results The mothers from the FGDs found the videos acceptable and beneficial. Videos enhanced mothers’ learning and empowered them to support others in learning. The KAP data showed that after adjustments, breastfeeding (p=0.06) and complementary feeding knowledge (p=0.01), complementary feeding attitudes (p=0.08), as well as hygiene knowledge and practices (p=0.003) were better among mothers who had seen videos three to four times, or five or more times, compared to mothers who had seen the videos once or twice. Conclusions Videos were an accepted form of education and were beneficial when watched repeatedly. The videos could be a good addition to current IYCF education efforts in Kenya.

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