Suchergebnisse

The naturalness of breast feeding has been subordinated to a political idea of the Nation asserted in an explicit hierarchisation of class and race.

SummaryIn data from the Bangladesh Fertility Survey on 4998 live births, the mean duration of breast-feeding in Bangladesh was 27·3 months. Duration of breast-feeding was positively related with the age of women. Female children were breast-fed for periods about 5 months shorter than for male children. Children born to urban mothers of all age groups were breast-fed for shorter durations than children born to rural mothers of all age groups. The duration of breast-feeding decreased with the increase of education of mother.

Breast- Feeding Patterns is the title of a 1982 publication by the WHO/EMRO, prepared by Dr. J.K. Harfouche, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Maternal and Child Health at the American University of Beirut.

SummaryMedical Officer of Health reports for London boroughs, 1900–19, are analysed to determine the incidence of neonatal breast-feeding, duration of lactation, reasons for early supplementation and premature weaning, and their relationship with infant mortality. In a sample of 222,989 infants, breast-feeding rates were very high. Over 90% were breast-fed in the first month, almost 80% at 3 months, and over 70% at 6 months. The poorest boroughs had the highest rates of neonatal breast-feeding, but also a higher incidence of early supplementation and premature weaning. There was a significant positive correlation between breast-feeding and infant mortality due to poor maternal diet and health, poor nutritional quality of supplementary and substitute foods, and the use of an unhygienic feeding bottle. Energetic campaigns to counteract these problems probably contributed to the fall of infant mortality in this period.

We have heard a lot about the promotion of sales of baby food, but we have never analysed the population's readiness to accept such foods, and how that acceptance comes about. Nor have we analysed the role of the doctors or the health professionals. What is it or what should it be ?About a year ago we carried out a study in London on the intention to breast-feed and the success of mothers in breast-feeding (Liebrich & Morley, 1976), at the same time analysing the attitudes of the staff attending these mothers, who should have helped the latter in their breast-feeding. Table 1 shows a trend in the answers given by women who intend to breast-feed disagreeing with such statements as 'Nowadays it is no longer necessary to put up with the mess of breast-feeding when easily prepared milks are available' and agreement (among the same group of mothers) with such statements as: 'Breast milk is the best food for a baby under four months'.

SummaryTo determine patterns of infant feeding and influencing factors, 131 women, interested in breast-feeding and giving birth in one hospital in British Columbia, Canada, were followed for 6 months post-partum. Data were collected from hospital records and each participant completed mail-in questionnaires when their babies were 1, 3 and 6 months old. At 6 months 3·9% were exclusively breast-feeding, 26·5% were feeding their infants breast-milk and semi-solids and 26·5% were combining breast-feeding with formula and/or semi-solids. Over 50% discontinued breast-feeding before their stated intentions. Most women had chosen to breast-feed because of benefits to the baby, and most gave up breastfeeding because of perceived insufficient milk.

The study assessed the breast feeding practices of mothers in three distinct regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. 1293 mothers with children aged 0-2 years were selected randomly. Sampling was done with probability proportion to size (PPS). In this way 680 mothers from Jammu, 512 from Kashmir and 101 from Ladakh were selected. Practices regarding breastfeeding were assessed using pre-tested questionnaires. Results indicated highly significant inter-regional difference in breast feeding practices. Exclusive breast feeding rates at 0-3 months were 56.0%, 52.6% and 91.2% in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. While at 0-6 months EBR were as 52.0%, 52.1% and only 15.8%. Exclusive breastfeeding got hampered in Jammu and Kashmir regions due to introduction of top milk while in Ladakh children were weaned quite early. The study shows that erratic feeding practices have made deep inroads into the psyche of the population. Despite the legislation of IMS act the commercial sector continues to find ways and means to market their products that undermine breastfeeding in all the three regions.  Â