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Infant formula, tea, and water supplementation of latino infants at 4-6 weeks postpartum

Janet M Wojcicki1, Katherine Holbrook, Robert H Lustig

  • 1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0136, USA. wojcicki@gmail.com

Journal of Human Lactation : Official Journal of International Lactation Consultant Association
|April 30, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Many Latino infants receive formula, water, or tea before 6 months. Postpartum depression, cesarean birth, and formula use increase this risk, suggesting early supplementation should be discouraged.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Infant Nutrition

Background:

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
  • Latino infants are at high risk for future obesity.
  • Early infant feeding practices can impact long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the prevalence and risk factors for infant formula, water, and tea supplementation at 4-6 weeks in Latino infants.
  • To identify factors associated with early supplementation in this high-risk population.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 201 pregnant Latina women was recruited in the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • Infant dietary recall and postpartum depressive symptoms were assessed at 4-6 weeks postpartum.
  • Multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for supplementation.

Main Results:

  • Over half of infants (53.1%) received infant formula, and 25.4% were supplemented with tea or water.
  • Daily water or tea supplementation occurred in 60.0% of those receiving it.
  • Risk factors for water/tea supplementation included postpartum depressive symptoms (RR 1.8), cesarean delivery (RR 1.9), and infant formula use (RR 1.3).

Conclusions:

  • Early supplementation with infant formula, water, or tea is common in Latino infants.
  • Postpartum depressive symptoms, cesarean delivery, and formula use are associated with early water/tea supplementation.
  • Discouraging early supplementation is recommended for Latino infants due to high frequency and associated risks.

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