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Toddler feeding: Expectations and experiences of low-income African American mothers

College of Nursing, Michigan State University, millie{at}msu.edu

Holly Brophy-Herb

College of Social Science, Michigan State University

Michelle Henry

College of Social Science, Michigan State University, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Michigan State University

Katharine A Smith

College of Nursing, Michigan State University

Lorraine Weatherspoon

College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Michigan State University

Objective To ascertain maternal expectations and experiences with mealtimes and feeding of toddlers among low-income African American mothers in two mid- to large-size cities in the United States.

Design Qualitative focus group study.

Setting Two Early Head Start programme sites in a Midwestern state which serve low income families.

Method Twenty-seven low-income African American mothers took part in two focus groups which were conducted by a facilitator, according to a semi-structured topic guide. Focus group data were supplemented with demographic family data.

Results Four major themes emerged: (1) maternal perceptions of healthy toddlers, (2) maternal food choices for toddlers, (3) maternal expectations about toddler autonomy and self-regulation of feeding, and (4) mealtime context and interaction.

Conclusions and implications Data provided examples of maternal expectations and experiences, suggesting the development of healthy feeding patterns among some toddlers and provided evidence of less healthy feeding patterns in others. Evidence of less healthy feeding patterns included limiting toddler autonomy and food regulation, and misinterpretation of normative toddler behaviours. Because parenting practices and perceptions have been reported to contribute to social and environmental influences of obesity, this research could aid development of culturally sensitive nutrition education interventions.

Key Words: African Americans • dietary habits • mother • preschool child • qualitative research

Health Education Journal, Vol. 68, No. 1, 14-25 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0017896908100445


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