Breast-feeding in the Philippines today.

ABSTRACT

Breast feeding in the Philippines was studied among 3 socio-economic groups; Group A-Economically Advantaged, Group C - Urban Poor and Group R - Traditional Rural. Objectives of the study consisted of describing the patterns of breast-feeding and its relationship with supplementary feeding, material, family, socio-economic and reproduction characteristics. The mean 24 hour volume of breast milk for the 3 socio-economic groups was also determined through test weighing session. Growth curves of breast-fed infants compared reasonably well with WHO growth standard up to 5 or 6 months of age. The survey revealed that importation of infant formula and milk based products amounted to U.S. 89.7 million dollars for one year. Etiological factors of the decline of and deterrents to breastfeeding were also discussed.