Infant Feeding Practices In a Diverse Group of Women: The Healthy Start Study

Abstract

Background: To describe infant feeding practices among a diverse group of mother-offspring pairs and identify factors associated with adherence to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations. Methods: Data were analyzed from 835 mother-offspring dyads in The Healthy Start Study, an ongoing longitudinal prebirth cohort in Denver, Colorado. Maternal report of infant feeding practices was obtained at 4 to 6 months and 18 to 24 months postnatally. Practices were classified according to the following AAP recommendations: exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months, continued breastfeeding through 12 months, and introduction of solid foods around 6 months of age. Participants who met all 3 recommendations were categorized as “adherent.” All others were categorized as “not adherent.” Results: About 77% of dyads did not adhere fully to the AAP recommendations. Women who worked ⩾35 hours/week or had a higher prepregnancy body mass index were more likely to be nonadherent. Women who were older, college educated, or had offspring with greater weight for gestational age at birth were less likely to be nonadherent. Conclusions: Most of the women in a large contemporary cohort are not adhering to AAP infant feeding recommendations. Our results highlight the specific subgroups of women who may need additional support to optimize infant feeding practices.

Incidence and timing of offspring asthma, wheeze, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy and association with maternal history of asthma and allergic rhinitis

“…Maternal questionnaires completed at the first research visit, which occurred between 13 and 23 weeks gestation, collected data on child's race/ethnicity, number of previous pregnancies and births, and maternal history of allergic diseases. 24 A maternal history of asthma was considered present if pregnant women answered “yes” to the question, “ Has a health professional such as a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner ever told you that you have asthma? ” A maternal history of allergic rhinitis was considered present if pregnant women answered “yes” to the question, “ Has a health professional such as a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner ever told you that you have hay fever, seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis?…”

Factors Affecting Exclusive Breast Feeding of Infants in Port Fouad City

“…Infant nutrition is an important determinant of future health (1) . The long-term benefits of breastfeeding in enhancing maternal and infant health for several years (2) .…”

“…The long-term benefits of breastfeeding in enhancing maternal and infant health for several years (2) . Compared to exclusively breastfed infants, formula-fed infants are not only deprived of the benefits of breast milk but also more likely of respiratory infection, otitis media, and sudden infant death syndrome (1) . Moreover, formula-fed infants are more likely to rapid weight gain in their first year of life, which increases their risk to develop childhood obesity with its subsequent complications (3) .…”

Formula Feeding and Associated Factors among a Group of Egyptian Mothers

“…Infant nutrition is an important determinant of future health [1]. The long-term benefits of breastfeeding in enhancing maternal and infant health have been well documented in the literature for several years [2].…”

“…The long-term benefits of breastfeeding in enhancing maternal and infant health have been well documented in the literature for several years [2]. Compared to exclusively breastfed infants, formula-fed infants are not only deprived of the benefits of breast milk but also more likely to respiratory infection, otitis media and sudden infant death syndrome [1]. Moreover, formula fed infants are more likely to rapid weight gain in their first year of life; which increases their risk to develop childhood obesity with its subsequent complications [3].…”