Reasons for in-hospital formula supplementation of breastfed infants from low-income families.
In-hospital formula supplementation of breastfed infants negatively impacts breastfeeding duration. Infants from low-income families have some of the lowest exclusive breastfeeding rates in the United States. The objectives of this study were to identify (1) reasons low-income breastfeeding mothers begin in-hospital formula supplementation and (2) risk factors for in-hospital formula supplementation. We surveyed 150 low-income mothers in a Washington, DC, clinic. Sixty percent had initiated breastfeeding, and 78% of these breastfed infants received formula supplementation in the hospital. There was no clear medical need for supplementation for 87% of the breastfed infants receiving supplementation. Infants of mothers who did not attend a prenatal breastfeeding class were almost 5 times more likely to receive in-hospital formula supplementation than those infants whose mothers had attended a class (OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 1.05-21.14). Improved knowledge about breastfeeding among nursing and medical providers is important to minimize unnecessary formula supplementation for breastfed infants.
Tender
Jennifer A F
JA
Division of General Pediatrics at Children's National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
Janakiram
Jayarsi
J
Arce
Elda
E
Mason
Rubina
R
Jordan
Talita
T
Marsh
Jennifer
J
Kin
Sarah
S
Jianping He
Moon
Rachel Y
RY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology; D053198:Child Nutrition Sciences / Q000193:education*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics*; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008423:Maternal Age; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D011203:Poverty; D011632:Public Assistance; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult