Factors Associated with Complementary Feeding Practices in Infants of Mothers with a History of High-Risk Pregnancy

Background: Evidence on complementary feeding (CF) practices among offspring of women with a history of high-risk pregnancy remains limited, despite their increased vulnerability to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study evaluated the associations between CF timing, first complementary foods, primary sources of information, and maternal, perinatal, and sociodemographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 530 mother-child dyads with a history of high-risk pregnancy. Data regarding CF practices, maternal characteristics, neonatal outcomes, and sociodemographic factors were obtained from clinical records and structured interviews. Three outcomes were analyzed: timing of CF initiation, first food offered, and primary source of information. Bivariate analyses (Pearson's chi-square) were followed by multivariable logistic regression adjusted for relevant covariates. Results: The introduction of CF occurred before 6 months of age in 22.3% of the cases (n = 118); 77.7% (n = 412) initiated it between 6 and 8 months of age. A breastfeeding duration of less than six months (aOR = 4.713, CI 95%; 2.829-7.838, p = 0.001) and a lack of financial support from parents or family (aOR = 1.830, CI 95%; 1.083-3.093, p = 0.024) demonstrated an independent association with early CF. Reliance on family members as the primary source of information (19.3%) correlated with shorter breastfeeding duration, suburban residence, and preterm birth. Vegetables were the most frequently introduced first food (69.6%), followed by fruit (28.1%); only 2.3% of infants received foods other than fruit and vegetables (cheese, yogurt, meat, or beans) during this initial stage. Conclusions: In this group of women with a history of high-risk pregnancies, the timing of complementary feeding initiation, the specific foods introduced, and the sources of information consulted were associated with maternal, perinatal, and sociodemographic factors. A breastfeeding duration of less than six months and a lack of financial support from the parents or family were identified as the main variables linked to the early introduction of complementary feeding. Furthermore, relying on the family as the primary source of information showed a close relationship with the timing of complementary feeding initiation.