Why Do Mothers of Young Infants Choose to Formula Feed in China? Perceptions of Mothers and Hospital Staff

Abstract

In China the exclusive breastfeeding rate remains low and infant formula is widely used. This study aimed to elicit and compare mothers’ and hospital staff perceptions of the reasons that shaped mothers’ decision to formula feed. In-depth interviews with 50 mothers, and four focus group discussions with 33 hospital staff, were conducted in Hangzhou and Shenzhen in November 2014. Responses given by the mothers and hospital staff showed a number of commonalities. The perception of “insufficient breast milk” was cited by the majority of women (n = 37, 74%) as the reason for formula feeding. Mothers’ confidence in breastfeeding appears to be further reduced by maternal mothers or mothers-in-law’s and “confinement ladies” misconceptions about infant feeding. Inadequate breastfeeding facilities and limited flexibility at their workplace was another common reason given for switching to formula feeding. A substantial proportion of mothers (n = 27, 54%) lacked an understanding of the health benefits of breastfeeding. Antenatal education on breastfeeding benefits for expectant mothers and their families is recommended. Moreover, mothers should be provided with breastfeeding support while in hospital and be encouraged to seek professional assistance to deal with breastfeeding problems after discharge. Employers should also make work environments more breastfeeding-friendly.

Country context, personal values and nutrition trust: Associations with perceptions of beverage healthiness in five countries in the Asia Pacific region

“…Furthermore, it may protect mothers against certain cancers and type 2 diabetes (Chowdhury et al, 2015). Chinese research shows that many mothers hold inaccurate perceptions of infant formula's health-related benefits Zhang et al, 2015). Similarly, our results revealed a common perception of children's special milk drinks as healthy, particularly amongst Vietnamese and Indonesian respondents.…”

First Time Expectant Fathers’ Perspectives on Breastfeeding

“…Many women are unprepared for the learning process involved in establishing breastfeeding successfully, and without the right encouragement and support, 16 many women fall short of the recommended six months of exclusive breastfeeding. 25,26 Although many women intend to breastfeed before the birth of a child, sleep deprivation, the responsibilities of taking care of a new born, return to work, other children, and many other factors can affect breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and duration. 6,[15][16][17]25,26 Mothers who have a partner who is supportive and encouraging are more likely to plan to breastfeed for a longer duration.…”

“…25,26 Although many women intend to breastfeed before the birth of a child, sleep deprivation, the responsibilities of taking care of a new born, return to work, other children, and many other factors can affect breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and duration. 6,[15][16][17]25,26 Mothers who have a partner who is supportive and encouraging are more likely to plan to breastfeed for a longer duration. 21,22,24 Rempel et al, 27 in their study reported that fathers wanted to be a part of the breast feeding team to support their wives physically by sharing the household chores and emotionally boosting their confidence, to initiate and sustain breast feeding for a longer duration.…”

The experiences of mothers and caregivers on feeding practices of children under the age of five years with undernutrition in Oshikoto region, Namibia

“…[7] Other researchers reported that mothers lack knowledge and understanding on the benefits of breastfeeding resulted in lack of exclusive breastfeeding. [8,9] …”