Infant Formula Promotion and Infant Feeding Practices

Abstract

Promoting breast milk substitutes among feeding mothers is an arguable topic over the years and health authorities recommend exclusive breast feeding for infants till they reach six months of age. But promoting breast milk substitutes within that age limit by infant formula companies can be seen all over the world. Using direct and indirect promotional campaigns infant formula companies reach feeding mothers. Sri Lanka is no exception for this practice. A survey was carried out to examine the impact of infant food promotional activities on infant feeding practices in Gampaha district. 100 mothers who have infants below one year of age were selected randomly at clinics and interviewed by using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, regression and correlation were used to analyze data gathered. The results suggest that medical practitioners? advices on nutrition and family pressure for breast milk substitutes have a great impact on formula feeding.