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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:To breastfeed or not to breastfeed: the influencing role of the Liberian health system
Author:David, M.S.
Year:1988
Periodical:Liberia-Forum
Volume:4
Issue:7
Pages:4-20
Language:English
Geographic term:Liberia
Subjects:public health
breastfeeding
Abstract:A number of recent studies concerned with infant and child feeding and health have documented the increased use of breastmilk substitutes in infant feeding by Liberian mothers. This paper examines the role of the modern health care system in influencing mothers' infant feeding decisions. Results are presented from a 1983-1984 survey of infant feeding practices in urban areas of Liberia. The data examined cover routines in hospitals which influence breastfeeding behaviour, activities related to breastfeeding promotion in maternal-child health clinics, and the knowledge, attitudes, and opinions of a sample of health care professionals on infant feeding issues. A comparison is also made between mothers' accounts of infant feeding hospital routines and those given by hospital staff. The findings of the study indicate that on the whole, in 1984, the health care system in Liberia was not actively encouraging breastfeeding. There was, however, no evidence that the health care system was systematically promoting breastmilk substitutes. Bibliogr., notes, ref.
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