Maternal Vista Regarding Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding Versus Formula Feeding

Background: Mother and infant form an inseparable biological and social unit. Ultimately, mothers have initial decision about the type of infant feeding according to their perspective about the pros and cons of each type of feeding. Aim of the study: is to investigate the maternal vista regarding pros and cons of breastfeeding versus formula feeding. Subject and methods: Research design: A descriptive research design was implemented. Setting: This study was conducted at medical units of Alexandria University Children's Hospital at El-Shatby (AUCH). Subject: A convenient sample of three hundred mothers were selected, 150 breastfeeding mothers versus 150 formula feeding mothers. Tools of data collection: The pros and cons of breastfeeding versus formula feeding interview structured schedule was used to collect data. This tool was developed by the researcher after thorough review of the most recent and related literature about breastfeeding and formula feeding. Results: unfortunately, large percent of mother considered breastfeeding is time consuming, and leads to some breast problems. There was statistical significance differences between maternal socioeconomic characteristics and their selection of infant's nutritional types either breast or formula feeding. Unfortunately, more than half of mothers did not know any pros of breastfeeding for them. Conclusion: There were many factors influencing the maternal vista and consequently affecting their selection of infant's feeding such as maternal age, working, income, and influence of support group. Recommendations: Tailoring illustrated breastfeeding booklet should be available and distributed for nursing mothers to include increase their knowledge and promote their skills relative to breastfeeding and positively influencing their attitudes about it. In addition, creation of hotline providing 24-hour access to provide help for lactating mothers is beneficial.