I. Factors Affecting the Mother's Choice of Infant Feeding Method

Abstract

Bloom, K., Goldbloom, R. B., & Stevens, F. E. (Departments of Psychology, Pediatrics & Obstetrics, Dalhousie University, Grace Maternity Hospital, Halifax, Nova Scotia). Breast vs. formula feeding: I. mother's choice. Acta Paed Scand, Suppl. 300:3, 1982.—539 mothers of healthy newborn infants were surveyed to determine demographic and behavioral characteristics associated with the decision to feed by breast or formula. Compared with formula‐feeding mothers, breast feeders were older and of higher socioeconomic status. The two groups did not differ significantly with respect to parity, prior abortions, prepregnancy employment, obstetrical condition or behavior at first contact with infants. Infants in the two groups showed no significant differences in gestational age, birth weight or Apgar scores. Compared with formula‐feeding mothers, breast feeders showed significantly greater tendencies to use advice or literature in choosing breast feeding; they make their feeding choice before pregnancy, and do not consider an alternative feeding method. They more frequently attend pre‐natal classes, have a higher degree of coincidence between their choice (to breast feed) and preferences of their husbands and physicians. These differences were independent of age and of socioeconomic status. Breast feeders’mothers and female relatives were more likely to have breast fed their own infants, but these characteristics were not independent of socioeconomic status and age. These data help in understanding social and cultural aspects of the choice of method for infant feeding, and may be useful in designing programs to increase the prevalence of breast‐feeding.

Breast Feeding in Hail Region: Pattern and Variables of Practice and Attitude in Hail Women, Saudi Arabia

“…The belief that BF causes hair fall in the current work is probably not true , as hair loss is an unrelated condition to BF occurring in the postpartum period and is commonly because of the hormonal disturbance (15) .…”

“…Unfortunately , (63.4% )have a false knowledge that mother stopped BF once they get pregnancy . Others had false knowledge the mild diseases like Influenza is considered as contraindication for giving BF .So, mothers should be educated that BF does not affect mothers' nutrition , as long as she keep following healthy diets with enough fluids (15) .…”

“…Moreover It is well documented that BF decreases the possibilities of otitis media, GIT , respiratory and sudden baby death syndrome (15) .…”

“…Several studies have reported that diabetes , obesity and cardiac diseases are commonly linked to the BF practice (7,15) . Moreover It is well documented that BF decreases the possibilities of otitis media, GIT , respiratory and sudden baby death syndrome (15) .…”

“…A few number of studies have evaluated BF in different parts of Saudi Arabia in respect of prevalence , affecting factors and attitudes towards BF (11,15) . However and to our knowledge , no available data have been reported about BF in Hail region .…”