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Infant Feeding Challenges in the First Six Months: Influencing Factors, Consequences, and Strategies for Maternal

Karolina Krupa-Kotara1, Jarosław Markowski2, Mateusz Grajek3

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, 41-902 Bytom, Poland.

Nutrients
|April 28, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Infant feeding difficulties are common, affecting 65% of babies under six months. Maternal health, education, partner support, and feeding methods significantly influence these challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Maternal Health
  • Infant Nutrition

Background:

  • The first six months are critical for infant development.
  • Maternal feeding practices profoundly impact infant nutrition and growth.
  • Understanding factors contributing to infant feeding difficulties is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify factors associated with feeding difficulties in infants under six months.
  • To analyze the influence of maternal sociodemographic and health factors on infant feeding.
  • To assess the impact of different feeding methods on infant feeding challenges.

Main Methods:

  • A Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) method was employed.
  • 555 mothers completed an online questionnaire on demographics, feeding practices, and feeding difficulties.
  • The Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale (MCH-FS) was used to measure feeding difficulties.

Main Results:

  • 65% of mothers reported infant feeding difficulties.
  • Maternal overweight/obesity, lower maternal education, and lack of partner support were significant predictors.
  • Mixed feeding methods were associated with increased feeding difficulties (Cohen's d = 0.46).

Conclusions:

  • Infant feeding difficulties are prevalent and linked to maternal health and sociodemographic factors.
  • Targeted educational resources and lactation support are crucial for at-risk mothers.
  • Interventions should address maternal well-being and support systems to improve infant feeding outcomes.

Keywords:
BMIMontreal Children’s Hospital Feeding Scalebreastfeedingearly childhood nutritionfeeding difficultiesformula feedinginfant feedingmaternal educationmaternal support strategiesmixed feeding

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