Influence of the availability of commercial infant foods on feeding practices in Jamaica

Abstract

The decision to cease breast feeding did not have a clearly defined physiological basis in over half of a sample of 150 Jamaican mothers questioned on the feeding regimes of their infants. Neither income, nor place of residence, appeared to be related to the decision to cease breast feeding although the source of information on infant feeding did show some association. A variety of commercial infant food products was” available; about 40% of the mothers used more than one product. Health workers, including midwives, have a potentially important role in bringing about satisfactory weaning.