Sources and acceptance of infant-feeding advice among low-income women.
The purpose of this study is to identify sources and acceptability of infant-feeding advice among participants in the US-based Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Focus groups are used to identify sources of infant-feeding advice and factors that contribute to acceptance of or resistance to that advice among 65 WICeligible mothers (34 English speaking and 31 Spanish speaking). The mothers primarily rely on experienced family and friends for advice and frequently use their own intuition to find solutions that work to solve real or perceived infant-feeding problems. Professional advice is perceived as credible when caregivers exhibit characteristics similar to those of experienced family and friends: confidence, empathy, respect, and calm. Using this information, it may be possible for WIC staff to make programmatic modifications to increase their ability to promote optimal infant-feeding behaviors in this population, thereby contributing to the reduction in the prevalence of childhood overweight.
Heinig
M Jane
MJ
Department of Nutrition, Human Lactation Center, Maternal Infant Nutrition Group, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. mjheinig@ucdavis.edu
Ishii
Kara D
KD
Bañuelos
Jennifer L
JL
Campbell
Elizabeth
E
O'Loughlin
Colleen
C
Vera Becerra
Luz Elvia
LE
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology*; D002140:California; D002648:Child; D053198:Child Nutrition Sciences / Q000193:education; D003376:Counseling; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005522:Food Services; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D007228:Infant Nutrition Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D050177:Overweight / Q000517:prevention & control; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011632:Public Assistance