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Parental experiences and perceptions of infant complementary feeding: a qualitative evidence synthesis
Author(s) -
MatvienkoSikar K.,
Kelly C.,
Sinnott C.,
McSharry J.,
Houghton C.,
Heary C.,
Toomey E.,
Byrne M.,
Kearney P. M.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
obesity reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.845
H-Index - 162
eISSN - 1467-789X
pISSN - 1467-7881
DOI - 10.1111/obr.12653
Subject(s) - cinahl , psycinfo , psychological intervention , medline , thematic analysis , qualitative research , infant feeding , intervention (counseling) , inclusion (mineral) , medicine , cochrane library , psychology , developmental psychology , breast feeding , nursing , pediatrics , randomized controlled trial , social psychology , social science , sociology , political science , law , surgery
Summary Background Interventions to prevent childhood obesity increasingly focus on infant feeding, but demonstrate inconsistent effects. A comprehensive qualitative evidence synthesis is essential to better understand feeding behaviours and inform intervention development. The aim of this study is to synthesize evidence on perceptions and experiences of infant feeding and complementary feeding recommendations. Methods Databases CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete, SocIndex and Maternity and Infant Care were searched from inception to May 2017. Eligible studies examined parents' experiences of complementary feeding of children (<2 years). Data were synthesized using thematic synthesis. Results Twenty‐five studies met inclusion criteria for review. Four key themes emerged. ‘Guidelines and advice’ highlights variety and inconsistencies between sources of complementary feeding information. ‘Stage of weaning’ describes infant feeding as a process involving different stages. ‘Knowing and trying’ outlines parents' engagement in feeding approaches based on instinct, prior experience or trial and error. ‘Daily life’ highlights problematic cost and time constraints for parents. Discussion Parents predominantly understand and want to engage in healthy feeding processes. Consideration of infant feeding as a process that changes over time is necessary to support parents. Provision of clear, consistent information and guidance from trusted sources on when, what and how to feed is also essential.

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