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

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  • Ke Zhang

    (Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China)

  • Li Tang

    (Department of Management Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
    School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia)

  • Hong Wang

    (Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518038, China)

  • Li-Qian Qiu

    (Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China)

  • Colin W. Binns

    (School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia)

  • Andy H. Lee

    (School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Ke Zhang & Li Tang & Hong Wang & Li-Qian Qiu & Colin W. Binns & Andy H. Lee, 2015. "Why Do Mothers of Young Infants Choose to Formula Feed in China? Perceptions of Mothers and Hospital Staff," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2015:i:5:p:4520-4532:d:48711
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brian Roe & Leslie Whittington & Sara Fein & Mario Teisl, 1999. "Is there competition between breast-feeding and maternal employment?," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 36(2), pages 157-171, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hazel Gardner & Katherine Green & Andrew Gardner, 2015. "Infant Feeding Practices of Emirati Women in the Rapidly Developing City of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-18, September.
    2. Hong Qin & Lin Zhang & Lingling Zhang & Wei Zhang & Li Li & Xin Deng & Danping Tian & Jing Deng & Guoqing Hu, 2017. "Prevalence of Breastfeeding: Findings from the First Health Service Household Interview in Hunan Province, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-8, February.

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