Weaning Process in Breastfed Infants Compared with Artificially Fed: An Assessment Study

Abstract

Introduction: Weaning is the process of expanding the diet to include foods and drinks other than breast milk or infant formula. The aim of the study: The study aimed to compare weaning process in breastfed versus artificially fed infants. Research design: Descriptive-comparative design was utilized in carrying out this study. Subject and Setting: A purposive sample including 200 mothers attended the Child Care Center Castle in Sayeda Aisha over a six months period and their accompanying infants. Tools: of study involved; I- Predesigned questionnaire format to assess characteristics of the infants and their mothers, to assess mother’s knowledge regarding breast-feeding, bottle-feeding. II- Children’s assessment sheet to assess their physicl and physiological growth and development and compare with their normal peers. Results: The result of the study showed that more than one third of the bottle-feeding mothers had average knowledge regarding weaning process versus of the breast-feeding mothers had poor knowledge with statistically significant differences. Conclusion: The current study showed that, mothers’ knowledge regarding weaning process was poor in breastfed compared with artificially fed infants. Recommendation: Improve mothers’ awareness and practice regarding breast feeding, artificial feeding and proper weaning.