Infant and young child feeding practices and the factors that influence them: a qualitative study

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Mary Weber, Emory University; Wendy Palmer, Childrens Healthcare Atlanta; Monica Griffin, Childrens Healthcare Atlanta; Jean Welsh, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2023-04-13
• Publisher: BMC
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2023, The Author(s)
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s41043-023-00371-9
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: JOURNAL OF HEALTH POPULATION AND NUTRITION
• Volume: 42
• Issue: 1
• Start Page: 32
• End Page: 32
• Grant/Funding Information: MBW was supported by the National Institutes of Health [Grant No. P30DK111024]. The funding organization had no input on design, analysis, or reporting of the study data.
• Keywords: Nutrition; RECOMMENDATIONS; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; OBESITY; Environmental Sciences & Ecology; INTERVENTIONS; REASONS; Science & Technology; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; Environmental Sciences; Early child feeding; NUTRITION; MOTHERS; Maternal behavior

Abstract

Background: Early child feeding is important for healthy growth and forming positive eating behaviors. Methods: This qualitative study sought to describe early childhood feeding behaviors, challenges, and opportunities through four focus group discussions with a diverse group of mothers of at least one child under two years or pregnant with their first child. Results: Although providing healthy foods was a priority, feeding behaviors reflected the mothers’ partial understanding of infant and child nutrition. Mothers sought guidance on early child feeding from several sources, including in-person and virtual relationships but made decisions based largely on their own instincts. Participants consulted clinicians the least often, and mothers often felt frustrated by strict guidelines and negative messaging. Mothers were most receptive to suggestions when they felt supported and valued in the decision-making process. Conclusions: In order to help mothers provide the best nutrition for their young children, clinicians should use positive tones, provide flexibility when possible, and work to create open lines of communication with parents.