Individual and job-related variation in infant feeding practices among working mothers

Am J Health Behav. 2010 Mar-Apr;34(2):186-96. doi: 10.5993/ajhb.34.2.6.

Abstract

Objective: To document working mothers' infant feeding practices and delineate factors that may shape infant feeding.

Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from a community sample of working women with 8-month old infants (n=199).

Results: Nearly all working mothers used commercially prepared foods like infant cereals, fruits, and vegetables. Approximately one-fifth fed infants french fries, sweetened beverages, and sweetened desserts. Unhealthy infant feeding was elevated among unmarried mothers, those with less education, and those with a nonstandard work schedule.

Conclusions: Working mothers use commercially prepared foods for infant feeding. Socially disadvantaged working mothers' infant feeding may pose health and developmental risks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Food / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Women, Working / psychology*