Infant-Feeding Practices and Beliefs about Complementary Feeding among Low-Income Brazilian Mothers: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Breastfeeding and weaning practices are important determinants of growth and development not only in infancy but also later in life. To describe infant-feeding practices and beliefs about complementary feeding among low-income Brazilian mothers. Qualitative methods included focus group discussions with low-income mothers enrolled in a Family Health/Community Health Workers program in Ceará, Northeast Brazil. Breastfeeding is widely practiced in this area, and overall, mothers are knowledgeable about the benefits of breastfeeding for their infants and themselves. Practices of prolonged breastfeeding and delayed supplementation of infants with semisolid foods emerged as a problem among very poor women. In addition, the results showed common problems related to complementary feeding practices, such as the early introduction of solid foods and the use of expensive commercial cereals and formula for weaning. Cultural factors and taboos appeared to have an important influence on mothers' infant-feeding practices and eating patterns of their children. The results have implications for the design of breastfeeding promotion and interventions to improve complementary feeding. Improvements of the national Food Grant Program are also suggested, which are needed by low-income mothers to improve their infant-feeding practices.