The complementary feeding practices of low-income Black mothers with infants between 6 and 24 months of age: A qualitative study.

Abstract

The period from 6 to 24 months in an infant's life presents a critical window for understanding feeding practices and for designing culturally appropriate interventions. However, little is known about the complementary feeding practices of Black mothers and how this period can be used to optimise the long-term health of their children. The present study aimed to identify factors that influence the complementary feeding practices of low-income Black mothers with children aged 6-24 months. Participants were recruited through Research Match, Facebook advertising, flyers, and snowballing techniques. Low-income, Black mothers, with a 6-24-month-old infant, and who lived in Franklin County, Ohio, USA, were eligible for the study. A cross-sectional design using in-depth interviews was used. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilised to analyse and interpret the feeding practices of Black mothers. Mothers (n = 8) were aged between 18 and 30 years old and most completed college or had some college education (n = 6). Half (n = 4) were married, employed, and rated their diet quality and their children's as very good. Three themes emerged: (a) complementary feeding at ≥ 6 months of age; (b) involvement of health care providers and service organisations in feeding decisions; and (c) use of responsive feeding cues. All mothers breastfed exclusively and most (n = 6) initiated complementary feeding at 6 months. Paediatricians, other health providers and service organisations were instrumental in helping Black mothers adopt complementary feeding practices. Mothers also engaged in responsive feeding practices. These findings point to the critical nature of access and education in helping Black mothers in the study achieve feeding recommendations for their infants.