Japan–France–US comparison of infant weaning from mother’s viewpoint

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding and weaning are strongly connected with infant–mother mutual autonomy, and hence are good touchstones to examine the characteristics of the mother–child relationship. Comparison of the weaning practice gives a framework to understand characteristics of the mother–infant relationship. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare three industrialised countries concerning the relationship between feeding and weaning practices and its reasons, mother's perception of child care, and of breast milk and formula. Methods: A questionnaire study on weaning practice was conducted for 310 Japanese, 756 French, and 222 American mothers with 4- to 20-month-old infants. Results: French mothers expected and had accomplished weaning at an earlier age of the infant, compared to Japanese and American mothers. Perceived insufficiency of breast milk was the leading reason for the termination of breastfeeding for Japanese mothers at the earlier stages, whereas back to work was the more important reason for French mothers. Japanese mothers were more negative in their image of themselves as mothers, whereas French mothers felt more burdened by child-care. Japanese mothers who terminated breastfeeding because of perceived breast milk insufficiency were also those who were less motivated to breastfeed. Conclusion: Weaning is a significant framework to interpret cultural differences in mother–infant relationship. The perceived insufficiency is interpreted as a solution of conflict between the social pressure to breastfeed and its burden.

Prevalence of infant and maternal anemia during the lactation period in Japan

“…The time for initiation of complementary foods varies slightly in the various guidelines, but approximately 4–6 months is recommended . The recommended time differs according to country, culture, tradition, and individual preference . WHO and UNICEF reported that the global rate of exclusive breast‐feeding for infants <6 months of age was 40% .…”

“…[17][18][19][20] The recommended time differs according to country, culture, tradition, and individual preference. [20][21][22][23] WHO and UNICEF reported that the global rate of exclusive breast-feeding for infants <6 months of age was 40%. 24 In Japan, the rate of exclusive breast-feeding has 25 These findings are consistent with those reported for other cohorts in Japan.…”

Mother's exclusive breastfeeding behavior: a cross sectional study in Pekanbaru, Indonesia

“…Lacking of breast stimulation will cause a by seeking of babies will cause a decrease in breastfeeding production. 26 Then, it is also strengthened by breastfeeding deficiency which becomes the reasons for mothers to give supplemental food. There were several complementary reasons that were done by another study such as food for infants were better than mother's own breastfeeding, inconvenience to give breastfeeding in all time, and other people influence, 27 simple and free on young mothers.…”

Weaning Practices and Perceptions of Mothers Residing in Urban Slums of Lahore, Pakistan: A Focus Group Design

“…17 Perceptions and practice of weaning by mothers is dependant on multiple factors and varies from culture to culture and region to region. 32 Quantity, quality and frequency of weaning foods are the main areas which are usually explored in one or another way. 33 It was found that the mothers of 'awared and active group' (AA group) were more awared and knowledgeable than the 'ignorant and docile group' (ID group).…”