Breastfeeding and weaning practices in rural Mexico

Abstract

This report describes the breastfeeding and weaning practices of rural women in two Mexican towns and the cultural beliefs upon which these practices are based. Interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect information. Women thought breastfeeding preferable to bottle-feeding. Eighty percent initiated breastfeeding and 69% gave colostrum. Breastfeeding was discontinued early (mean age 4 months). The mean age at which children were introduced to other liquids was 2 months (range 0-5 months) and to solids, 4 months (range 1-8 months). Women's decisions regarding infant feeding were influenced most by custom and advice from doctors and family members. In some instances medical advice conflicted with traditional practices. These findings suggest important avenues for intervention in hospital practices, education for health care workers, and in the development of health promotion services.

PIP: The impact of culture and community factors on breast feeding and weaning practices is examined by means of interviews among 35 rural women aged 16-43 years from Jalisco, Mexico, and by means of focus group discussions. Breast feeding practices are gleaned from information provided by mothers on their youngest child aged 2 weeks to 17 months for a 24 hour period prior to the interview. All study infants were given breast milk, supplements of water, and other liquids from birth. Fresh or powdered cow's milk was the usual supplement, except for 5 infants who received commercial formula. Boiled water was used in rehydrating powdered milk. Breast milk substitution was a bottle or cup given 2-4 times daily. The introduction of solid foods was made at 1 month to 8 months of age. Foods ranged from beans, tortillas, bread, pasta, fruit, chicken soup, flavored gelatin, to soft drinks. Between 9 months and 23 months, toddlers were fed the same foods in addition to vegetables, beef, fish, egg, cookies, and prepackaged cold cereal. The reasons given for not breast feeding were illness of the mother, a breast problem, insufficient milk, or an ill child. Colostrum was given for the following reasons: doctor's advice, the best interests of the baby, a woman's preference, custom, and no reason. Colostrum was not given for a variety of reasons including, for example, when the doctor advised against it or when a woman was ill or had a breast problem. In the three focus groups (27 persons), breast feeding was mentioned as preferable because of the added protection given the baby, the convenience of the mother, and the exchange between mother and infant. Other important factors were the improved health of the baby, the absence of cleanliness problems, and the milk was the right temperature. Exclusive breast feeding was recommended for a duration of 3-9 months. Breast feeding was withheld for 4-5 hours if a child had vomiting or diarrhea, or had been in the sun too long. Weaning was considered appropriate anytime between 2 months and 12 months of age. Weaning occurred when the mother was unable to continue or the child wanted to stop or had teeth. There was disagreement about how quickly to complete the process of weaning. Food was introduced at 2 to 6 months of age when milk was not enough to satisfy the child's hunger.