Feeding Infants in Four Societies: Causes and Consequences of Mothers’ Choice

Changes in breastfeeding practices are affecting the health and survival of millions of Third World Children and the fertlity of their mothers. Yet, there is little detailed information on current breastfeeding practices or the determinants of feeding choices. This study attempts to create a framework for understanding the practices of mothers in certain developing countries and hence, designing culturally appropriate information programs that will enable mothers to make better feeding choices. Based on research conducted by international study teams, it focuses on the factors that determine feeding practices in four Third World cities.

BEVERLY WINIKOFF is Senior Medical Associate, the Population Council, New York City.

MARY ANN CASTLE is Research Associate in the Department of Anthropology, New York University.

VIRGINIA HIGHT LAUKARAN is Senior Program Officer, National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C.