Table 5.

Reasons for artificial formula feeding as reported by the mothers (n = 197)

Factors for artificial formula introduction	N %
Perceived insufficient milk	120	60.9
Sick baby/unable to suckle	99	50.3
Encouraged by a doctor	77	37
The belief that formula is equal to breast milk or better	63	32
Maternal nipple pain/ cracks	58	29.4
Maternal medications	57	29
Breastfeeding is inappropriate	40	20
Felt tied down	38	19.3
Previous negative breastfeeding experience	35	17.8
Employment/ studying	34	17.3
Family and home responsibilities	25	12.7
The desire for dieting to lose weight	23	11.7
To make someone else feed the baby	12	6
Someone wanted to feed the baby	10	5
Need for own body privacy	12	6
Hormonal contraceptive use	9	4.6
Infant’s father’s opinion	4	2
Return to smoking	3	1.5

Mothers were allowed to select more than one reason