BACKGROUND: There is strong evidence that exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the first 6 months of life reduces the risk of diseases in infancy and in later life. OBJECTIVE: To understand the maternal reasoning that influences optimum infant feeding practices of caregivers in semirural communities of Limpopo province. METHODS: Nested qualitative study among mothers in an ongoing birth cohort study was conducted; structured and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data from 234 infants after 6 months of follow-up was included for quantitative analysis. Four focus discussion groups comprising 7 to 10 caregivers were used to obtain perception of mothers on breastfeeding. A semi-structured interview guide was used to stimulate discussions. Thematic content analyses were conducted to identify the main themes that influence breastfeeding practices of caregivers. RESULTS: Over 90% of the caregivers initiated breastfeeding after delivery. However, less than 1% of mothers practiced EBF by 3 months, and none of the children were exclusively breastfed for up to 6 months. All caregivers introduced non-breast milk liquids and solids by the second month of child's life. Common reasons for introducing non-breast milk foods included insufficiency of breast milk production, going back to work or school, and influence by elderly women (mothers/mothers-in-law) and church members. CONCLUSION: Exclusive breastfeeding was not practiced in this community due to cultural and religious beliefs and misinformation. The involvement of elderly women and church members in infant feeding education and promotion programs and the dissemination of breastfeeding information through mobile phones to younger mothers are recommended.
BACKGROUND: There is strong evidence that exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the first 6 months of life reduces the risk of diseases in infancy and in later life. OBJECTIVE: To understand the maternal reasoning that influences optimum infant feeding practices of caregivers in semirural communities of Limpopo province. METHODS: Nested qualitative study among mothers in an ongoing birth cohort study was conducted; structured and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data from 234 infants after 6 months of follow-up was included for quantitative analysis. Four focus discussion groups comprising 7 to 10 caregivers were used to obtain perception of mothers on breastfeeding. A semi-structured interview guide was used to stimulate discussions. Thematic content analyses were conducted to identify the main themes that influence breastfeeding practices of caregivers. RESULTS: Over 90% of the caregivers initiated breastfeeding after delivery. However, less than 1% of mothers practiced EBF by 3 months, and none of the children were exclusively breastfed for up to 6 months. All caregivers introduced non-breast milk liquids and solids by the second month of child's life. Common reasons for introducing non-breast milk foods included insufficiency of breast milk production, going back to work or school, and influence by elderly women (mothers/mothers-in-law) and church members. CONCLUSION: Exclusive breastfeeding was not practiced in this community due to cultural and religious beliefs and misinformation. The involvement of elderly women and church members in infant feeding education and promotion programs and the dissemination of breastfeeding information through mobile phones to younger mothers are recommended.
Authors: Laura E Caulfield; Anuradha Bose; Ram Krishna Chandyo; Cebisa Nesamvuni; Milena Lima de Moraes; Ali Turab; Crystal Patil; Mustafa Mahfuz; Ramya Ambikapathi; Tahmeed Ahmed Journal: Clin Infect Dis Date: 2014-11-01 Impact factor: 9.079
Authors: Stephanie A Richard; Leah J Barrett; Richard L Guerrant; William Checkley; Mark A Miller Journal: Clin Infect Dis Date: 2014-11-01 Impact factor: 9.079
Authors: Stephanie A Richard; Benjamin J J McCormick; Laura E Murray-Kolb; Crystal L Patil; Ram K Chandyo; Cloupas Mahopo; Bruna L Maciel; Anuradha Bose; Mustafa Mahfuz; Ramya Ambikapathi; Maribel Paredes Olortegui; Laura E Caulfield Journal: Matern Child Nutr Date: 2021-03-04 Impact factor: 3.092
Authors: Marina A S Daniele; Melisa Martinez-Alvarez; Angela Koech Etyang; Marianne Vidler; Tatiana Salisbury; Prestige Tatenda Makanga; Peris Musitia; Meriel Flint-O'Kane; Tanya Wells Brown; Brahima Amara Diallo; Helena Boene; William Stones; Peter von Dadelszen; Laura A Magee; Jane Sandall Journal: Reprod Health Date: 2020-04-30 Impact factor: 3.223