The relationship between infant feeding practices and diarrhoeal infections.

To determine the relationship between infant feeding practices and diarrhoeal infections, a descriptive survey was conducted on infants aged between 6 and 12 months of age. A guided interview was conducted with 105 mothers of infants who attended the health facilities of Mbabane, Swaziland. The results showed that breast feeding was routinely practised by the majority of mothers, although exclusive breast feeding was very low. Supplementary feeds in the form of formula or solids were introduced by the majority of respondents within the first 3 months of life. Infants who were given colostrum and breast milk had fewer diarrhoeal attacks. Other factors, for example education and cultural factors, influenced the feeding practices and number of diarrhoeal attacks. It is recommended that breast feeding should be promoted as an important intervention in the control of diarrhoea.