Abstract
In China the exclusive breastfeeding rate remains low and infant formula is widely used. This study aimed to elicit and compare mothers’ and hospital staff perceptions of the reasons that shaped mothers’ decision to formula feed. In-depth interviews with 50 mothers, and four focus group discussions with 33 hospital staff, were conducted in Hangzhou and Shenzhen in November 2014. Responses given by the mothers and hospital staff showed a number of commonalities. The perception of “insufficient breast milk” was cited by the majority of women (n = 37, 74%) as the reason for formula feeding. Mothers’ confidence in breastfeeding appears to be further reduced by maternal mothers or mothers-in-law’s and “confinement ladies” misconceptions about infant feeding. Inadequate breastfeeding facilities and limited flexibility at their workplace was another common reason given for switching to formula feeding. A substantial proportion of mothers (n = 27, 54%) lacked an understanding of the health benefits of breastfeeding. Antenatal education on breastfeeding benefits for expectant mothers and their families is recommended. Moreover, mothers should be provided with breastfeeding support while in hospital and be encouraged to seek professional assistance to deal with breastfeeding problems after discharge. Employers should also make work environments more breastfeeding-friendly.
Highlights
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal feeding method for infants and young children.Breastfed infants are at reduced risk of many health conditions, including gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections, obits media, allergies, and sudden infant death syndrome [1,2]
The exclusive breastfeeding rate in China remains low and infant formula is widely consumed across the country, either as a first feed or as complementary feed [6,7]
Consistent with previous findings in China [9,10,13], maternal perception of ―insufficient milk supply‖ and returning to employment were the main reasons reported by mothers for introducing infant formula before six months postpartum
Summary
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal feeding method for infants and young children.Breastfed infants are at reduced risk of many health conditions, including gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections, obits media, allergies, and sudden infant death syndrome [1,2]. Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal feeding method for infants and young children. The advantages of breastfeeding include reduced postpartum bleeding, faster return to pre-pregnancy weight, a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as decreased risks of hip fractures and osteoporosis in later life [1,4,5]. The many health benefits of breastfeeding have led the World Health Organization to recommend mothers to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of life and continue while complementary feeds are introduced. The exclusive breastfeeding rate in China remains low and infant formula is widely consumed across the country, either as a first feed or as complementary feed [6,7]
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