Infant feeding in Saudi Arabia: mothers' attitudes and practices

Abstract

We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey of 4872 mothers [‎mostly Saudi]‎ to study infant feeding patterns. Information was collected about their feeding practices with their youngest child using pre-tested questionnaires. About four-fifths of the mothers had received health education about breastfeeding, most often from medical staff; younger mothers tended to be better informed. Approximately 92% fed colostrum to the newborn, but 76.1% had introduced bottle-feeding by 3 months [‎48.3% cited insufficient milk as the reason for introducing the bottle]‎. This was significantly related to nationality and education level. Mixed feeding [‎breastfeeding and bottle-feeding]‎ was popular. Solid foods tended to be introduced late and this was significantly related to nationality, age and education level