Infant feeding beliefs and practices of Arabic mothers in Australia

Culturally sensitive care in the health care system is imperative for optimal outcomes of all patients, especially women and their infants. For Arabic mothers in Australia, there is minimal research exploring their beliefs that could impact on their infant feeding decisions and practices.

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences, knowledge and influences around infant feeding in Arabic women in Australia.

A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Focus groups were conducted with Arabic women in community organisations (Catholic & Islamic) in Sydney. A thematic analysis was undertaken. The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) was also used to measure maternal attitudes towards infant feeding.

A total of 17 women participated in three focus groups. Themes relating to infant feeding were identified, including (1) sources of knowledge and education, particularly, where mothers obtained their infant feeding knowledge, and how this was influenced; (2) cultural beliefs related to the support and direction of family members.; (3) religious beliefs surrounding the continuation of infant feeding practices; (4) social and personal themes as an influence on infant feeding decisions and practices, and (5) factors associated with cessation of exclusive breastfeeding, including the lack of support from health care professionals.

The Arabic women in this study have expressed their need for further culturally sensitive care surrounding infant feeding knowledge and practices, and for that care to be situated in their community. Further intervention-based studies in the community focusing on culturally competent and sensitive care are recommended.