Maternal Experiences with Discussing Complementary Feeding in Primary Care

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutrition Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Complementary feeding is crucial for establishing lifelong healthy eating habits and food preferences.
• Limited understanding exists regarding pediatrician-caregiver communication on infant feeding practices in the US.
• Caregiver responses to pediatric feeding recommendations require further exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate mothers' experiences and perceptions of complementary feeding recommendations received in primary care settings.
• To explore how mothers discuss infant feeding with pediatricians during wellness visits.
• To identify potential areas for improvement in delivering feeding advice.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving semi-structured telephone interviews with mothers of infants.
• Participants recruited from Special Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) offices in Rhode Island.
• Thematic analysis guided by the Fundamentals of Care theoretical framework.

Main Results:

• Wellness visits were generally perceived positively by mothers.
• Mothers reported challenges in implementing some infant feeding recommendations.
• Alternative sources of feeding information were found to be equally valuable.
• Mothers indicated opportunities to enhance the primary care experience regarding feeding advice.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing the content, delivery, and cultural relevance of infant feeding recommendations is essential.
• More specific and tailored information from pediatricians may improve adherence to evidence-based practices.
• Primary care settings can be optimized to better support caregivers in infant feeding.