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Infant feeding pattern in the first six months of age in USA: a follow-up study

Wilfried Karmaus1, Nelís Soto-Ramírez2, Hongmei Zhang1

  • 1Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38119 USA.

International Breastfeeding Journal
|December 8, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Infant feeding in the US is complex, with formula feeding predominant initially. Direct breastfeeding rates remain low, highlighting the need for increased maternal leave to support breastfeeding mothers.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Sociology

Background:

  • Infant feeding encompasses direct breastfeeding (DBF), pumping and bottle feeding (P&F), formula feeding (FF), and solid food feeding (SFF), often in combination.
  • Accurate evaluation requires understanding diverse feeding patterns, their consistency, and transitions over the first year.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze longitudinal infant feeding patterns in the United States during the first six months of life.
  • To identify common feeding trajectories and transitions between different feeding methods.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Infant Feeding Practice Study II, focusing on six feeding occasions within the first six months.
  • Applied latent class transition analysis to model feeding patterns and assess transition probabilities over time.

Main Results:

  • Formula feeding (FF) was the most common pattern in month 1 (32.9%), followed by direct breastfeeding (DBF) (23.8%).
  • Mixed feeding patterns, including combinations of DBF, P&F, and FF, were prevalent, with transitions to FF and DBF observed.
  • Solid food feeding (SFF) increased over time, particularly after month 4. Mothers using FF were often less educated, employed full-time, smoked, or lived outside the western US.

Conclusions:

  • Infant feeding in the US is multifaceted, with breastfeeding not being the predominant method.
  • Mixed feeding patterns are common, and transitions occur frequently within the first six months.
  • Significant increases in maternal leave duration are recommended to promote direct breastfeeding in the United States.
Abstract

Keywords:
BreastfeedingFormula feedingInfant feedingPumping and feedingSolid food feedingUnited States of America

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