Taking the Pulse on Feeding Infants in a Child Care Setting (P11-067-19)
Abstract Objectives Identify and understand contextual, cultural, and attitudinal variables related to breastfeeding and infant feeding that may inhibit or engender the utilization of USDA's Team Nutrition resources and adoption of the communicated information. Methods Seventeen focus groups were conducted with current breastfeeding mothers (n = 66) and expecting mothers (n = 20), and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with twelve child care providers with infants in their care. Results The focus groups with current breastfeeding mothers and expecting mothers revealed that mothers were sensitive to information that was not consistent with their own experiences; preferred that technical information be conveyed using realistic photographs as opposed to illustrations or graphics; favored content that encouraged communication between child care providers and themselves; and accurately depicted breastfeeding. On the other hand, most child care providers did not feel comfortable actively encouraging breastfeeding at their child care site; the term “developmental readiness” for complementary feeding was not commonly understood; and felt that their biggest challenges with caring for infants included 1) effectively communicating with parents, 2) managing the time of on demand feedings with groups of children in their care, and 3) storing and handling breastmilk. Conclusions Addressing the realities of breastfeeding and infant feeding, including common challenges for both mothers and child care providers, is essential in the development of effective nutrition education materials. Tools are needed to facilitate communication between child care providers and families. Funding Sources United States Department of Agriculture.