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Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique logoLink to Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique
. 1999 Mar 1;90(2):114–119. doi: 10.1007/BF03404113

Factors Influencing Infant Feeding Practices of Mothers in Vancouver

Patricia L Williams 110, Sheila M Innis 110,✉, A M P Vogel 210, Loraina J Stephen 310
PMCID: PMC6980178  PMID: 10349218

Abstract

This study describes factors influencing infant feeding choices of 434 mothers with 9-month-old infants in Vancouver. Consistent with Social Cognitive Theory, both internal personal and socio-environmental factors influence infant feeding choices. Mothers attributed the choice to breastfeed primarily to personal choice, whereas the choice to formula feed was attributed to socio-environmental factors. Among mothers who breastfed <3 months, the choice to wean was primarily attributed to concern for baby’s nutrition; compared to returning to work, concern about milk supply and concern for baby’s nutrition among those who breastfed ≥3 to <6 months; and returning to work and personal choice among those who breastfed ≥6 months. Among Caucasian mothers, the choice to wean was primarily attributed to returning to work, compared to concern for baby’s nutrition among non-Caucasian mothers. Initiatives to facilitate further advances in breastfeeding promotion could address three areas: 1) prenatal intentions, 2) early postpartum concerns, and 3) later issues surrounding returning to work and infant nutrition.

Footnotes

Supported by a grant from the B.C. Medical Services Foundation with assistance from the Vancouver Health Department.

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