Low-Income Women's Feeding Practices and Perceptions of Dietary Guidance: A Qualitative Study

Overview

Journal Matern Child Health J

Specialty Health Services

Date 2016 Jul 29

PMID 27465059

Citations 9

Authors

Jennifer S Savage

Cody D Neshteruk

Katherine N Balantekin

Leann L Birch

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives Describe themes characterizing feeding behaviors of low-income women participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and identify the attitudes, beliefs, and sources of information that inform these practices. Methods Formative research was conducted including focus groups and semi-structured individual phone interviews with a total of 68 low-income women participating in WIC. Qualitative data were recorded, transcribed, imported into NVivo 8.0, and analyzed for common themes. Results Mothers reported feeding behaviors inconsistent with guidance from WIC and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Three main themes were identified. First, mothers reported receiving conflicting messaging/advice from medical professionals, WIC nutritionists, and family members, which was confusing. Mothers also reported dissatisfaction with the "one size fits most" approach. Lastly, mothers reported relying on their "instincts" and that "all babies are different" when deciding and rationalizing what feeding guidance to follow. Conclusions Future interventions targeting this high-risk population should consider developing personalized (individualized) messaging, tailored to the needs of each mother-child dyad. Focused efforts are needed to build partnerships between WIC providers and other health care providers to provide more consistent messages about responsive feeding to prevent early obesity.

Citing Articles

Responsive Feeding Practices to Promote Healthy Diets: A Mixed Method Study among Low-Income Caregivers with Toddlers.

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Healthy Snacks and Drinks for Toddlers: A Qualitative Study of Caregivers' Understanding of Expert Recommendations and Perceived Barriers to Adherence.

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Maternal Experiences with Discussing Complementary Feeding in Primary Care.

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The Perceptions and Needs of French Parents and Pediatricians Concerning Information on Complementary Feeding.

De Rosso S, Schwartz C, Ducrot P, Nicklaus S Nutrients. 2021; 13(7).

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Parental considerations during complementary feeding in higher income countries: a systematic review of qualitative evidence.

Spyreli E, McKinley M, Dean M Public Health Nutr. 2021; 24(10):2834-2847.

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