TRENDS IN INFANT FEEDING PRACTICES: UNDERSTANDING MATERNAL CHOICES abstract

There is much controversy between breastfeeding and commercial infant formula. Very often, infant formula has caused ailment and even mortality to infants worldwide – hence the continuous campaign of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF, along with other breastfeeding advocates, for mothers to breastfeed their children at least until 6 months of age. Infant feeding practices generally meet the baby’s nutritional and immunological needs. This study of infant feeding practices is carried out on a sample of 20 mothers and infant pairs. The objective of the study is to know the feeding practices of mothers, the problems faced by working mothers, and the usage of commercial infant formula instead of breast milk. This study reflects upon the feeding practices among working women and housewives and also about the health status of the mothers.