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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Nancie H. Herbold, EdD, RD, Department of Nutrition, Simmons College, 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115, 617-521-2709, herbold@simmons.edu and Elizabeth Scott, PhD, Biology Department, Simmons College, 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115.

A Pilot Study Describing Infant Formula Preparation and Feeding Practices of Mothers Although breastfeeding is the infant feeding of choice. Many mothers chose to bottlefeed their infants for a variety of reasons. Many mothers are not aware of the implications of inappropriate formula preparation and feeding practices on infant health. Children worldwide develop problems from infant formulas that have been prepared under unsanitary conditions and with contaminated water. The incidence of Campylobacter infections is highest in children under the age of 1 year. E. sakazakii is the cause of a fatal infection in infant fed powdered formula. The purpose of this study was to collect pilot data on formula preparation and feeding practices. This study was a descriptive study involving a convenience sample of 15 mothers recruited from the local Boston community. A trained observer traveled to the homes of the study participants to observe formula preparation and feeding. A survey tool that incorporated other research instruments was used. Results revealed 73% of women did not wash their hands before preparing formula, 60% did not keep the prepared bottle cool during transport away from home, and only 53% checked the formula expiration date. "20% of the infants slept with their bottle, 60% of infants acted disinterested before the bottle was finished, 47% added cereal to the formula, 73% of women did not give water to their infants. 36% obtained information about formula preparation from a health professional source.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will decribe unsanitary infant formula preparation practices.
• Participants will describe appropriate and inappropriate infant feeding practices.

Keywords: Infant Health, Food Safety

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered