Factors influencing infant feeding practices of Indian immigrant mothers in Australia-a qualitative exploratory study

Suboptimal infant feeding practices in the first 2000 days may increase the risk of childhood overweight, obesity, and chronic disease in later life. Previous literature has shown Indian immigrant mothers have some suboptimal infant feeding practices that do not align with the Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines. There is limited data on factors influencing the feeding practices of Indian immigrant mothers. The present study aims to qualitatively explore the factors influencing infant feeding practices such as breastfeeding, formula feeding, and feeding solids and other liquids among Indian immigrant mothers living in Australia.

Guided by an interpretivist paradigm, this study employed a qualitative design. Indian-born mothers living in Australia (n = 13), each with a child aged 1.5 to 5 years, were purposively sampled based on sociodemographic characteristics. Participants were recruited via a national online survey collecting quantitative data on infant feeding practices and maternal and paternal sociodemographic characteristics. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom, and data were analysed inductively using a reflexive thematic approach.

All thirteen mothers interviewed were married and had lived in Australia for at least 5 years. Eleven mothers were aged between 35 and 39 years. Most mothers (n = 12) held graduate and postgraduate degrees, and eleven mothers reported an annual household income exceeding AUD 88,000. Most of the mothers (n = 12) practiced Hinduism, and languages spoken at home included Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Marathi. Most fathers identified as having Indian ethnicity (n = 11). Four themes were identified pertaining to factors influencing the infant feeding practices of Indian immigrant mothers: 1) Home country cultural beliefs and practices, 2) Perceptions about baby's growth and development, 3) External support such as family and friends, health care professionals, and antenatal classes, 4) Maternal factors such as acculturation experience, sources of information, attitudes toward and knowledge of infant feeding guidelines and health and work status.

Understanding the factors shaping infant feeding practices among Indian immigrant mothers in Australia provides insight into cultural adaptation, acculturation stress, and intergenerational influences that may impact child nutrition and long-term health outcomes. This knowledge can help design culturally responsive health promotion programs. Such programs would enhance engagement and support for health services, better reflecting the cultural values and practices of Indian immigrant mothers in Australia.