Promotion and Advocacy for Improved Complementary Feeding: Can We Apply the Lessons Learned from Breastfeeding?

2003 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen G. Piwoz ◽  
Sandra L. Huffman ◽  
Victoria J. Quinn
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
Infant And Young Child

Although many successes have been achieved in promoting breastfeeding, this has not been the case for complementary feeding. Some successes in promoting complementary feeding at the community level have been documented, but few of these efforts have expanded to a larger scale and become sustained. To discover the reasons for this difference, the key factors for the successful promotion of breastfeeding on a large scale were examined and compared with the efforts made in complementary feeding. These factors include definition and rationale, policy support, funding, advocacy, private-sector involvement, availability and use of monitoring data, integration of research into action, and the existence of a well-articulated series of steps for successful implementation. The lessons learned from the promotion of breastfeeding should be applied to complementary feeding, and the new Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding provides an excellent first step in this process.

scholarly journals Qualitative, longitudinal exploration of coping strategies and factors facilitating infant and young child feeding practices among mothers in rural Rwanda

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanine Ahishakiye ◽  
Lenneke Vaandrager ◽  
Inge D. Brouwer ◽  
Maria Koelen
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Young Child ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
Infant And Young Child

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.

scholarly journals 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

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.

scholarly journals Socio-cultural Barriers in Infant and Young Child Feeding Practice among Mothers of Kumal Community in Nuwakot District

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-62
Author(s):  
Ramesh Shrestha ◽  
Ved Prasad Bhandari ◽  
Laxman Datt Bhatt
Keyword(s):  
Young Child ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
Child Feeding Practices ◽  
Infant And Young Child

Introduction: Child feeding practices have a direct consequence on the nutritional status of children under two year which ultimately have impact on child survival. Socio-cultural barriers is one of the main factors in infant and young child feeding in various community. This study aims to explore socio-cultural barriers of infant and young child feeding practices among mothers of Kumal community in Nuwakot district. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among mother of 6-23 months children’s in Kumal community. Data was collected from 67 respondents through face-to-face interview. The collected data was entered in Epi-data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS, version 20. Results: Our study reveals that 83.6% of the respondents had initiated early breastfeeding. More than half (56.7%) of the respondents had exclusive breastfeeding and 97% had extended breastfeeding. Half (50.7%) of the respondents introduce complementary feeding in time, sex of child was associated with exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding. Similarly, size of household, mother and father education was associated with continuation of breastfeeding practice. Conclusions: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding is still low due to many factors and one being socio cultural practices and beliefs. Interventions that can hit the socio-cultural beliefs should be given priority to exterminate the socio-cultural taboos from root level.

scholarly journals Are our babies off to a healthy start? The state of implementation of the Global strategy for infant and young child feeding in Europe

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irena Zakarija-Grković ◽  
Adriano Cattaneo ◽  
Maria Enrica Bettinelli ◽  
Claudia Pilato ◽  
Charlene Vassallo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Child ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
The State ◽  
Healthy Start ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
Infant And Young Child

scholarly journals Infant and Young Child Feeding Decision Making and Practices: Malawian Mothers’ and Fathers’ Roles in the Context of HIV

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nainisha Chintalapudi ◽  
Gloria Hamela ◽  
Innocent Mofolo ◽  
Suzanne Maman ◽  
Mina C. Hosseinipour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Young Child ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Mothers And Fathers ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
Infant And Young Child ◽  
Catchment Areas ◽  
Feeding Decision

Background: Few studies in low- and middle-income countries have examined the roles of couples in infant and young child feeding decision making and practices, and there is no corresponding data in the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Research aim: This study aimed to explore mothers’ and fathers’ perceptions of their roles in feeding decision making and practices. Methods: The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 15 mothers and their male partners, recruited from the catchment areas of two urban and two rural government clinics in Lilongwe District, Malawi. The mothers were ≥ 18 years of age, were HIV positive, and had a child < 24 months of age. Twelve of the 15 fathers were also HIV positive. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Mothers were responsible for child care, including breastfeeding and complementary feeding. Fathers provided monetary support for purchasing food and offered verbal support to encourage mothers to implement recommended feeding practices. Many fathers found it difficult to support adequate complementary feeding because of household food insecurity. Mothers were advised on child feeding during prevention of mother-to-child transmission clinic visits. No fathers in this study accompanied women to clinic appointments, so they were less well-informed about feeding than mothers. Fathers usually deferred to mothers in feeding decision making. One-third of mothers wanted fathers to be more involved in child feeding. Conclusion: Malawian mothers’ and fathers’ roles in feeding decision making in the context of HIV align with local gender norms. Strategies are needed to improve fathers’ knowledge of and involvement in child feeding, as desired by mothers.

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