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A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
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Patterns of breastfeeding practice during the first 6 months of life in Saudi Arabia

Fouzia A Al-Hreashy1, Hani M Tamim, Nadia Al-Baz

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. fouziaalhreashy@yahoo.com

Saudi Medical Journal
|March 11, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Exclusive breastfeeding rates were extremely low in Riyadh, with most infants receiving formula or fluids. Partial breastfeeding was common, leading to a significant decline in lactation duration within six months.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Nutrition

Background:

  • Breastfeeding is crucial for infant health and development.
  • Understanding current breastfeeding practices is essential for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate infant feeding patterns in the first six months at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Riyadh.
  • To identify factors influencing breastfeeding practices and lactation duration.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study conducted in 2005 at KAMC, Riyadh.
  • Inclusion of infants attending primary care and well-baby clinics for 6-month vaccinations.
  • Data collection through maternal interviews using World Health Organization definitions for infant nutrition.

Main Results:

  • High breastfeeding initiation rate (95%), but very low exclusive breastfeeding (1.7%).
  • Widespread supplementation with formula (83.4%) or fluids (94%) within the first six months.
  • Lactation duration decreased to 50% by six months, associated with formula introduction and maternal factors.

Conclusions:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding prevalence is critically low in the studied population.
  • Partial breastfeeding is the predominant feeding method, resulting in reduced lactation duration.
  • Formula introduction and maternal characteristics significantly impact breastfeeding outcomes.
Abstract

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