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    Why do mothers of young infants choose to formula feed in China? Perceptions of mothers and hospital staff

    229881_229881.pdf (256.9Kb)
    Access Status
    Open access
    Authors
    Zhang, K.
    Tang, L.
    Wang, H.
    Qiu, L.
    Binns, Colin
    Lee, Andy
    Date
    2015
    Type
    Journal Article
    
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Citation
    Zhang, K. and Tang, L. and Wang, H. and Qiu, L. and Binns, C. and Lee, A. 2015. Why do mothers of young infants choose to formula feed in China? Perceptions of mothers and hospital staff. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 12 (5): pp. 4520-4532.
    Source Title
    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
    DOI
    10.3390/ijerph120504520
    ISSN
    1661-7827
    School
    School of Public Health
    Remarks

    This open access article is distributed under the Creative Commons license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/32318
    Collection
    • Curtin Research Publications
    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.

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