| Reasons given for mixed feeding |
| Predominantly formula feeding mothers giving some breast milk |
| Pressure from mother-in-law |
| “My mother in-law came and told me to give breast, so I complied.” |
| Pressure from husband |
| “Pressure from [my] husband to breast-feed.” |
| Pressure from family and society |
| “I was pressurized to give breast, so I gave for one week, and then I told them that there is no milk in my breast” |
| Pressure from society |
| “People pressurize[d] me when they came to greet me and the baby was crying.” |
| Practical Difficulties |
| “When I had to travel.” |
| Cognitive Difficulties |
| Woman says she wants to stop giving breast milk; counselor thinks she has cognitive deficits |
| Predominantly breastfeeding mothers giving complementary feeds |
| To give traditional concoctions to an unwell child |
| “My baby is sick. I gave her traditional concoction yesterday, 3 times a day. I give her another twice a day. I will give them until she is okay.” |
| To supplement breast milk-- breastmilk is insufficient |
| “There are too many people in our house, and I don't get enough to eat, so I don't have enough breast milk. My mother-in-law introduced the formula and buys it for me.” |
| Improper weaning off of breast |
| “[There was] pressure from family, so [I] breast fed for 3 months, then gave formula.” |
| Lack of knowledge regarding MTCT |
| She delivered at the hospital and says that no one explained to her about why mixed feeding is not good. |
| Reasons given for exclusive feeding |
| To protect child from HIV |
| “[I] want my baby to be healthy, to not die.” |
| To follow what was instructed by health professional |
| Advised not to give breastmilk |
| Educated not to mixfeed |
| Pressure from others |
| “My mother says I shouldn't give breast milk, [I have] fear of my mother.” |
| Financial Incentive |
| “Formula is available for free.” |
