[Breast feeding among autochthonous and allochthonous mothers in Amsterdam, 1992-1993]

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether breast feeding is related to family type, family size, maternal education, maternal occupational status and ethnic origin.

Design: Descriptive study.

Setting: Six child health centres in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Method: In the period 1992-1993 the feeding practices of 961 children of 3 months were investigated by interviewing their mothers.

Results: In Amsterdam 21% of infants were exclusively breast-fed, 15% of infants were breast and formula fed and 64% of infants were exclusively formula fed. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, breast-feeding was associated with mother's educational level and ethnic origin. The breast feeding rate was 49% for mothers with a high education and 26% for mothers with a low education. Among Dutch mothers the frequency of breast-feeding was 37%, and among Surinam, Moroccan and Turkish mothers the frequencies of breast feeding were 16%, 34% and 43% respectively.

Conclusion: These results suggest that besides socioeconomic factors cultural factors also play a part in the breast feeding practices of mothers. To promote breast feeding culture-based perceptions with respect to feeding and nursing of infants should be considered.