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Breastfeeding practices in urban Riyadh
1Department of Pediatrics (39), College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|May 30, 1998
Summary
Exclusive breastfeeding rates decline significantly by six months, with bottle-feeding becoming dominant. Weaning often starts early, influenced by perceived insufficient breast milk or infant refusal.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition
Background:
- Infant feeding practices are crucial for child health and development.
- Understanding current trends in urban populations is vital for targeted interventions.
- Previous studies provide a baseline for assessing changes in infant nutrition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate contemporary infant feeding patterns in Riyadh's urban population.
- To compare current infant feeding trends with historical data.
- To identify key factors influencing infant feeding choices.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 347 mother-infant pairs.
- Interviews conducted at a well-baby clinic in a University Hospital.
- Data collected on infant feeding types and timing.
Main Results:
- Exclusive breastfeeding rates were 32.4% at 3 months and 22.1% at 6 months.
- Exclusive bottle-feeding increased from 18.2% at 3 months to 65.4% by 1 year.
- Early introduction of weaning foods (3-6 months) was common.
- Insufficient breast milk and infant refusal were primary reasons for bottle-feeding.
Conclusions:
- Bottle-feeding is prevalent and established early in infancy in this urban setting.
- Early introduction of solids and bottle-feeding may displace breastfeeding.
- Maternal education on breastfeeding support and challenges is essential.