Factors Associated with the Choice and Duration of Infant-Feeding Practice

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 603-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Artemis P. Simopoulos ◽  
Gilman D. Grave
Keyword(s):  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Breast Feeding ◽  
Infant Health ◽  
Collaborative Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Feeding Practice ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Member States ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Breast Feed

Breast-feeding makes a unique, fundamental contribution to the health and nutrition of infants. The World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes is designed to encourage, promote, and protect breast-feeding in all WHO member states. The Code acknowledges that a number of social and economic factors affect the decisions of women to breast-feed and that breast-feeding has declined. Member states have been urged, therefore, to develop appropriate social support systems to overcome and adjust for factors associated with breastmilk substitutes. Although the Code does not so state, these factors are not fully understood. The reasons for unsuccessful breast-feeding and early termination are important concerns. So far only vague and rudimentary answers have been identified, eg, "the milk dried up"49 or "lack of satisfaction."7 The decision-making process involved in early weaning has yet to be carefully analyzed. Certainly, biologic variables are involved, such as maternal nutritional status, maternal nutrient intake, and volume and quality of milk produced. These factors have not been well studied, and they are presumably influenced by psychological, social, cultural, and economic factors. Vahlquist,55 writing in the introduction to the WHO Collaborative Study on Breast-Feeding, noted, "Whereas, up to the 1960's it had been widely held that the decline in breast-feeding was a `fact of modern life,' this premise began to be increasingly questioned, and it was wondered whether the trend was really irreversible." The stakes in reversing the trend are great, as breast-feeding is the safest, most economical way to promote infant health and sound nutrition. Since then, the literature on the determinants of infant-feeding choice has grown rapidly.

Review of Research on the Factors Associated with Choice and Duration of Infant Feeding in Less-Developed Countries

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 667-694
Author(s):  
Michele R. Forman
Keyword(s):  
Breast Milk ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Breast Feeding ◽  
Infant Nutrition ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Feeding Practice ◽  
Feeding Time ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Breast Feed ◽  
Breast Milk Substitute

Research on factors associated with infant-feeding choice and duration has the following objectives: to describe the associated factors; to determine the degree of association; and to determine factors that are amenable to intervention in order to plan and implement infant nutrition programs. Underlying these objectives are a series of questions including: (1) What are the factors associated with the decision to breast-feed and/or bottle-feed at birth? (2) Among less-developed groups, in particular, what are the factors associated with use of prelacteal feeds before or in combination with breast-feeding or feeding by breast and bottle? (3) What are the factors associated with duration of exclusive breast-feeding, time of introduction of liquid breast milk substitutes, time of introduction of solids, and duration of partial breast-feeding? These questions are addressed in this review. This review encompasses research from a variety of disciplines—anthropology, epidemiology, nutrition, economics, and demography, for example. This is because infant feeding can be considered a behavior, a perception, a nutritional pattern, and a risk factor in infant growth and development. When infant feeding is classified as a behavior, the objective is to describe the infant's actions as he/she feeds at the breast or from the container for the breast milk substitute. The focus is on measuring the sucking action; the ability of the infant to latch onto the breast; and the frequency of, interval between, and duration of feeds. To examine a mother's perception of her infant-feeding practice requires answers to the following: Does the mother consider herself an exclusive breast-feeder, a breast-feeder and bottle-feeder, or an exclusive bottle-feeder? Does she feed on demand or on schedule? The focus of this research is on the mother's perception of her infant-feeding status rather than on the actual practice of infant feeding; the correlation between perception and practice may be examined but is commonly assumed.

Health Education in the Border Corridor

1991 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 26-29
Author(s):  
Hope Isaacs
Keyword(s):  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Breast Feeding ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Infant Health ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Health ◽  
Mexico Border ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
United States Mexico

Despite closely maintained familial connections and cultural traditions, the Hispanic population spanning the United States-Mexico border has diverged sharply from its traditional infant feeding practices. Successive reports document a trend away from the long-established cultural pattern of breast-feeding among Hispanic mothers. At the same time, World Health Organization reports have stimulated greater awareness among health care professionals of the positive impact of breast-feeding on infant health rates in Third World countries. This paper describes a multistage project undertaken by a binational team of nursing professionals and an anthropologist. Project goals were to research, design, and implement a mode of intervention which would encourage better management of infant feeding and which could be clinically applied on both the Mexican and U.S. sides of the international border.

Investigating the Disjoint Between Education and Health Policy for Infant Feeding Among Teenage Mothers in South Africa: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginia Zweigenthal ◽  
Anna Strebel ◽  
Joanne Corrigall ◽  
Jo Hunter-Adams
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Breast Feeding ◽  
Adolescent Mothers ◽  
World Health ◽  
Return To School ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Education And Health ◽  
Breast Feed

Abstract BackgroundMany low-and-middle-income countries, including South Africa (SA), have high rates of teenage pregnancy. Following the World Health Organisation recommendations, SA health policy on infant feeding promotes exclusive breast-feeding until six months of age, with gradual weaning. At the same time, SA’s education department, in the interest of learners, promotes teenagers’ return to school post-partum. Yet infant feeding at school is currently not perceived as a realistic option. MethodsThis article explores practice among policy makers and implementers in the education and health sectors in Cape Town, SA. We interviewed health and education officials, managers and policy makers, as well as school principals and nursing staff, who manage adolescent mothers and their babies. ResultsParticipants expressed discomfort at pregnant learners remaining in school late in pregnancy. There was uncertainty about policy regarding when to return to school and how long to breast-feed. Educators reported that new mothers typically returned to school within a fortnight after delivery and that breast-feeding was not common. While health professionals highlighted the benefits of extended breast-feeding for infants and mothers, there was recognition of the potential conflict between the need for the mother to return to school and the recommendation for longer breast-feeding. Additionally, the need for ongoing support of young mothers and their families was highlighted. ConclusionsOur findings suggest educators should actively encourage school attendance in a healthy pregnant adolescent until delivery with later return to school, and health providers should focus attention on breast-feeding for the initial 4-6 weeks postpartum, followed by guided support of formula-feeding. We encourage the active engagement of adolescents’ mothers and extended families who are often involved in infant feeding and care decisions. Education and health departments must engage in intersectoral work to focus on systems that facilitate the interests of both the mother and infant – some exclusive infant feeding together with a supported return to school for the teen mother.

INTRODUCTION

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 589-590
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Breast Feeding ◽  
Infant Health ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
The United States ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Infant Feeding Practices ◽  
Breast Feed

This report focuses on the recent scientific literature concerning infant feeding worldwide. The first four papers examine infant-feeding practices in the United States; the last five papers focus on such practices in developing countries. DOMESTIC REPORT The domestic section of the report examines the available literature from industrialized countries that may be relevant to the United States' situation. In brief, the findings of the domestic report are that the evidence is generally inconclusive that breast-feeding has a large, positive effect on infant health in the United States. Modest protective effects may exist with regard to gastroenteritis. The evidence is somewhat stronger among American Indian and Alaskan native populations in which risk of infant morbidity and mortality is high. Little information exists on the effects in disadvantaged urban groups. The available evidence concerning trends in infant-feeding practices indicates that the rate and duration of breast-feeding are increasing, especially among the more affluent groups. The evidence is less clear among the disadvantaged. In general, lower socioeconomic groups are less likely to breast-feed. INTERNATIONAL REPORT The international section of the report examines some of the central issues regarding methods of infant feeding in the developing world and discusses the implications of the findings. In developing countries, where infant mortality is much higher than in the United States, the potential for breast-feeding to be an important determinant of infant survival is much greater. Sanitation is likely to be poorer; traditional foods offered in lieu of breast milk are likely to be nutritionally deficient; and commercial formula—if available and used—is more likely to be inappropriately diluted and stored.

Breast-Feeding, Birth Interval, and Infant Health

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 695-701
Author(s):  
John E. Anderson ◽  
James S. Marks ◽  
Tai-Keun Park
Keyword(s):  
Breast Feeding ◽  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Infant Health ◽  
Fertility Rates ◽  
Recent Issue ◽  
Birth Intervals ◽  
Contraceptive Effect ◽  
Breast Feed ◽  
Lower Fertility ◽  
Demographic Surveys

In this section we consider the indirect effects of breast-feeding on infant health through its effect on birth intervals. First, we examine the evidence that breast-feeding is associated with longer intervals between births. Then we discuss studies that have attempted to show that short birth intervals are related to poorer infant health. EFFECT OF BREAST-FEEDING ON INTERVALS BETWEEN BIRTHS Breast-feeding is associated with a delay in the return of ovulation after a birth, with longer intervals between births, and with lower fertility rates occurring in populations where this practice is prolonged. In a recent issue of Population Reports,13 numerous studies that evaluate the contraceptive effect of breast-feeding were reviewed. Studies that link breast-feeding and fertility include clinical reports based on small numbers of women, larger prospective studies, and single-round demographic surveys which may be representative of national populations. Clinical Studies Because ovulation is difficult to measure, studies linking breast-feeding with ovulation have been limited to small numbers of clinic-based subjects.4,14,17 These studies have shown that women who breast-feed—and those who breast-feed for longer periods—tend to ovulate later following a birth than other women. This effect is believed to be related to the hormone prolactin, which is released through the stimulus caused by the infant's sucking. Prolactin promotes the production of breast milk and is believed to be related to the inhibition of ovulation. Levels of prolactin and the anovulatory effect are related to the frequency and intensity of nursing. Thus, women who breast-feed partially on infrequently, while giving supplementary food, are more likely to ovulate than those who breast-feed fully.

Trends in Breast-Feeding

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 591-602
Author(s):  
Gerry E. Hendershot
Keyword(s):  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Breast Feeding ◽  
Market Research ◽  
The United States ◽  
Upward Trend ◽  
Disadvantaged Women ◽  
Breast Feed ◽  
Statistical Studies ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Short Section

Starting from very high levels in the 1940s, breast-feeding declined steadily to low levels in the early 1970s, and then began an upward trend which has apparently continued until the present (Fig. 1). In the 1940s, breast-feeding was more common among disadvantaged women. The subsequent decline was also more rapid among the disadvantaged, however, so that by the early 1970s, disadvantaged women were considerably less likely than others to breast-feed. Because the increase since the early 1970s has not been so pronounced among the disadvantaged, they continue to have relatively low levels of breast-feeding. The causes of these trends and differentials are not well understood. These are the principal conclusions drawn from a review of statistical studies of trends and differentials in breast-feeding in the United States. The studies included national health surveys conducted by the federal government, market research surveys conducted by infant formula manufacturers, and infant feeding surveys conducted by medical researchers. The studies differed markedly in their methods—a fact that affects their validity, reliability, and comparability. The first section of this paper discusses these data sources and their limitations. The next two sections discuss the downward trend in breast-feeding from the 1940s to the early 1970s, and the upward trend since. Each of these sections examines demographic differences in these trends. A short section that addresses possible causes of the trends and differentials follows those two sections. SOURCES AND LIMITATIONS OF THE DATA The principal sources of data on trends and differentials in breast-feeding are national fertility surveys, market research surveys, and special purpose infant-feeding surveys.

scholarly journals Breast-feeding counselling mitigates the negative association of domestic violence on exclusive breast-feeding duration in rural Bangladesh. The MINIMat randomized trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (15) ◽  
pp. 2810-2818 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy L Frith ◽  
Shirin Ziaei ◽  
Ruchira Tabassum Naved ◽  
Ashraful Islam Khan ◽  
Iqbal Kabir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Breast Feeding ◽  
Health Messages ◽  
Feeding Practice ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis ◽  
Exclusive Breast Feeding ◽  
Controlling Behaviour ◽  
Group Experience

AbstractObjectiveTo determine if exclusive breast-feeding counselling modifies the association of experience of any lifetime or specific forms of domestic violence (DV) on duration of exclusive breast-feeding (EBF).DesignIn the MINIMat trial pregnant women were randomized to receive either usual health messages (UHM) or usual health messages with breast-feeding counselling (BFC) in eight visits. During pregnancy (30 weeks), lifetime experience of any or specific forms of DV was measured. Infant feeding practice information was collected from 0 to 6 months at 15 d intervals.SettingMatlab, Bangladesh.SubjectsPregnant and postpartum women (n 3186) and their infants.ResultsAmong women in the UHM group, those who had experienced any lifetime DV exclusively breast-fed for a shorter duration than women who did not experience any lifetime DV (P=0·02). There was no difference, however, in duration of EBF among women in the BFC group based on their experience of any lifetime DV exposure (P=0·48). Using Cox regression analysis, there was an interaction of exposure to any lifetime DV, sexual violence and controlling behaviour, and counselling group with duration of breast-feeding at or before 6 months (P-interaction≤0·08). Among the UHM group, experience of any lifetime DV, sexual violence or controlling behaviour was associated with fewer days of EBF (P<0·05). In contrast, among the BFC group, experience of DV was not associated with duration of EBF.ConclusionsThe experience of DV compromises EBF and the support of breast-feeding counselling programmes could assist this vulnerable group towards better infant feeding practices.

scholarly journals Infant Feeding Practices in Kaski District, Pokhara

2012 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-27
Author(s):  
S Basnet ◽  
E Gauchan ◽  
K Malla ◽  
T Malla ◽  
DP Koirala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Infant Feeding Practices ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Prelacteal Feeds ◽  
Initiation Of Breastfeeding ◽  
Socio Economic Factors

Background: Children in developing countries are prone to infectious diseases due to insufficient and inappropriate feeding practices. Socio-demographic and socio-economic factors directly and indirectly play a role in influencing infant feeding practices.  This study was conducted to assess the socio-demographic and economic factors associated with initiation of breastfeeding, complimentary feeding, and the various prelacteal feeds practiced in Kaski, Pokhara. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, interviews were conducted to 500 mothers at Manipal Teaching Hospital who brought their child for treatment. The interviews were conducted in a questionnaire format relating to their demographic and financial statuses. Results: A total of 500 mothers were questioned, out of which 86.6% gave their child breastmilk as its first food. 47% initiated breastfeeding within half an hour of child’s birth. 86% gave Jaulo as the first complementary food to their children. About 26% of the mothers gave complementary feeding to their children before the recommended time of 6 months. Conclusion: Initiation of breastfeeding after life and complementary feeding practices overall has improved from previous studies. There is still need of making awareness campaigns and such in order to further improve this trend. Key words: Breastfeeding; Complimentary feeding; Malnourishment DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i1.5339     J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.32(1) 2012 23-27

scholarly journals EXCLUSIVE BREAST FEEDING

2010 ◽  
Vol 17 (02) ◽  
pp. 286-290
Author(s):  
SOHAIL ASLAM ◽  
FAROOQ AKRAM ◽  
MEHBOOB SULTAN
Keyword(s):  
Breast Feeding ◽  
Feeding Practice ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exclusive Breast Feeding ◽  
Lower Socioeconomic ◽  
Primary Care Hospital ◽  
Breast Feed ◽  
Study Setting ◽  
Breast Fed

Objective To study the duration and factors influencing exclusive breast feeding practice. Design: A cross sectional descriptive study Setting: A primary care hospital Gilgit, northern area of Pakistan. Period: Ten months from March 2007 to December 2007. Material & Method This study include 125 mothers with mean age of 24.3 years (SD 4.8),37% were illiterate while only 14% were matriculate or above among 125 babies (male 61%: female 39%). Results Out of total 125, eighty one (64.8%) babies were exclusively breast fed (EBF) for first six months of life and only five(4%) infants were not given breast milk at all . among 76 male infants ,52 (68.4%) were EBF for six months in comparison to 29 female (59.2%) out of 49. among 36 first born infants only 15 (41.7%) were EBF for six months in comparison to 66 (74.2%)out of 89 not first born(p<0.05). Conclusion: Exclusive breast feeding for complete 6 months is still not routinely practised by most of mothers and first born are deprived of this right in majority lower socioeconomic group and illiterate mothers are more likelyto breast feed, gender bias was also observed as a significantly high percentage of male babies were observed to be breast fed as compared to females. More efforts are required by health depart. And NGO’s to promote good breast feeding practices in our setup. 

Executive Summary

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 579-583
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Breast Milk ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Breast Feeding ◽  
Maternal Employment ◽  
The United States ◽  
Attitudinal Factors ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
Breast Feed ◽  
Breast Fed

Domestic Although the rate of breast-feeding is increasing in the United States, it appears that the rate of increase has been much slower among less well educated and economically disadvantaged women. Relatively little is known about the behavioral and attitudinal factors that affect the decisions to breast-feed or to stop if already breast-feeding. Breast-feeding does appear to decrease an infant's risk of gastrointestinal infection and otitis media. The effect of method of infant feeding on risk of other infections and allergic illness is less certain. International The rate of breast-feeding in developing countries appears to have declined, especially among urban women. Although some sociodemographic correlates of infant-feeding choice have been examined, little is known about the behavioral and attitudinal factors that influence choice and duration of infant-feeding practices. Milk insufficiency, maternal employment, and pregnancy frequently are given as reasons for terminating breast-feeding. Rates of gastrointestinal illness are lower among breast-fed infants and when such illness is an important cause of death, infant mortality from this cause appears to be reduced. A randomized clinical trial carried out among high-risk infants found a significantly lower rate of infections among those given breast milk than those fed with infant formula. The evidence of the effect of breast-feeding on respiratory tract and other infections from other studies was less clear. Direct comparison of the growth of predominately breast-fed v artificially fed infants in the same populations from developing countries generally show faster growth for the breast-fed infants for the first 6 months of life. After 6 months, severe growth faltering occurs regardless of the method of feeding. In communities where the nutritional adequacy of supplementary foods is poor, breast milk is an extremely important, high-quality food during the second half of infancy and beyond.

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