1Department of Pediatrics, AL-Kindy Medical College, University of Baghdad
2Al-Elwyia Pediatrics Hospital
There is a well-documented decline of breast feeding rate especially in the developing world. Artificial feeding carries high risks of diarrhea, malnutrition, and death especially in a crisis situation in which there is poor water supply and poor sanitation.
To assess maternal attitude and practices toward formula feeding regarding proper handling, sterilization, preparation and amount given.
A cross sectional study done from the first November 2017 to the 30th of May 2018, in outpatient department of AL-Elwyia pediatric hospital. Mothers were interviewed and were asked some questions regarding sociodemographic criteria and their knowledge and practices toward formula feeding their children.
Eighty two percent of mothers had less than five feeding bottles, 73.55% had improper sterilization, 80.3% had proper reconstitution of their infant formula, 54.7% of infants has improper caloric intake during the day and 51.9% only feed their infants in a proper technique.
The study concluded that there is low level of mother's knowledge about formula-feeding handling in which the majority uses unsafe practices of feeding. The maternal knowledge is greatly influenced by culture and community beliefs rather than seeking a health professional advice.
Attitude, formula feeding, practices, Mothers
