This Article Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Heinig, M. J. Articles by Panchula, J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Heinig, M. J. Articles by Panchula, J. Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

Barriers to Compliance With Infant-Feeding Recommendations Among Low-income Women

Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California, Human Lactation Center, University of California, Davis, California, Maternal Infant Nutrition Group, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Davis, California

Jennifer R. Follett, PhD

Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture

Kara D. Ishii, MSW

Human Lactation Center, University of California, Davis, California

Katherine Kavanagh-Prochaska, MS, RD

Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California

Roberta Cohen, PhD

Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California

Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, PhN, IBCLC

Solano County Health and Social Services in Fairfield, California, California statewide WIC program, Model Breastfeeding Policies Committee

Focus groups were used to examine relationships among maternal beliefs, feeding intentions, and infant-feeding behaviors among 65 Women, Infants and Children-eligible (28 English-speaking and 37 Spanish-speaking) mothers. Participants shared common beliefs that breast-feeding was beneficial; nevertheless, many believed that early introduction of formula and solid foods was unavoidable in certain situations. Medical providers and Women, Infants and Children staff were sources of infant-feeding information, and the Spanish-speaking mothers attempted to adhere to the guidance. However, the English-speaking mothers often ignored this advice if it was not perceived as working for the family’s circumstances. Mothers, believing that providers would not understand that they were compelled to reject infant-feeding recommendations, would not ask for assistance when facing difficulties. Instead, mothers relied on relatives and others for infant-feeding guidance. Educational efforts should acknowledge mothers’ true circumstances, target support to each situation, and emphasize the health value of complementary foods rather than their association with infant motor development.

Key Words: breastfeeding • solid food introduction • infant feeding • control beliefs • knowledge • intentions • plans • decisions • postpartum practices • qualitative study • focus groups • theory of planned behavior • Women • Infants and Children (WIC) • California

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. F. McCann, N. Baydar, and R. L. Williams Breastfeeding Attitudes and Reported Problems in a National Sample of WIC Participants J Hum Lact, November 1, 2007; 23(4): 314 - 324. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J. L Baker, K. F Michaelsen, T. I. Sorensen, and K. M Rasmussen High prepregnant body mass index is associated with early termination of full and any breastfeeding in Danish women Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, August 1, 2007; 86(2): 404 - 411. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. J. Heinig The ones that got away: when breastfeeding mothers wean their infants despite our efforts. J Hum Lact, November 1, 2006; 22(4): 385 - 386. [PDF]