Barriers to Compliance With Infant-Feeding Recommendations Among Low-income Women

Abstract

Focus groups were used to examine relationships among maternal beliefs, feeding intentions, and infant-feeding behaviors among 65 Women, Infants and Children-eligible (28 English-speaking and 37 Spanish-speaking) mothers. Participants shared common beliefs that breast-feeding was beneficial; nevertheless, many believed that early introduction of formula and solid foods was unavoidable in certain situations. Medical providers and Women, Infants and Children staff were sources of infant-feeding information, and the Spanish-speaking mothers attempted to adhere to the guidance. However, the English-speaking mothers often ignored this advice if it was not perceived as working for the family's circumstances. Mothers, believing that providers would not understand that they were compelled to reject infant-feeding recommendations, would not ask for assistance when facing difficulties. Instead, mothers relied on relatives and others for infant-feeding guidance. Educational efforts should acknowledge mothers' true circumstances, target support to each situation, and emphasize the health value of complementary foods rather than their association with infant motor development.

Maternal trait personality and breastfeeding duration: the importance of confidence and social support

“…2004, Heinig et al . 2006, Nelson 2007). Confidence (belief in your ability to achieve) is also critical, particularly in overcoming difficulties or responding to the criticism of others (Brown et al .…”

Fatores associados ao aleitamento cruzado

“…O consumo de bebidas alcoólicas é um comportamento presente na maioria das cultu- 27,28 . No presente estudo, o aleitamento cruzado foi mais praticado por mães que não seguiam as recomendações preconizadas quanto à alimentação de seus filhos, possivelmente por não receberem e/ou não compreenderem as informações fornecidas pelos profissionais de saúde ou por darem preferência a conselhos fornecidos por familiares e amigos.…”

Roles, perceptions and control of infant feeding among low-income fathers

“…Control -circle centre Behaviour modification activities, such as feeding cereal in the bottle to alleviate infant fussing, increase the period of the infant's sleep and decrease spitting-up behaviour, and solid foods to satisfy the infant's desire for these foods, are concepts supported by research with mothers (29)(30)(31) . The introduction of cereal and other solid foods earlier than medically recommended, as was found in the current study, is common practice in the USA (16,17) .…”

“…Some limitations included that the sample was self-selected and that there was a wide range of ages and varying cultural backgrounds. Although this could be considered a strength, in light of the myriad cultural-feeding practices at large, here it is seen as a limitation because it may have muddied the results (40)(41)(42)(43)(44)(45) . Several male caregivers who were eligible chose not to participate or did not complete the interview process.…”