Infant Feeding Practices: The Case of Thai Immigrant Women in Australia

Abstract

This paper examines the perceptions and experiences of infant feeding among 30 Thai women in Australia. Ethnographic interviews and participant observation were used to elicit information in the study. Most Thai mothers breastfed their infants, but there were some women who chose bottlefeeding or mixfeeding. Their main reasons were the health and wellbeing of their infants as well as their own needs and illnesses. Nearly all mothers offered water after each feed in order to prevent jaundice and dehydration in their infants. Mothers who breastfed also offered early supplementary foods but continued to breastfeed past one year. The introduction of solid food was in accordance with recommendations of health care providers but some mothers commenced it earlier. The paper argues that infant feeding practices must be considered within the context of Thai culture and women's social situations. This will prevent misunderstanding and only then can health services and care be made more meaningful to the many women who want to implement best feeding practices for their children in their new homeland.