What shapes future infant feeding choices?

The city of Glasgow is the most ethnically diverse local authority area in Scotland. In a qualitative study, GCPH explored the role of cultural factors in shaping the future infant feeding choices of young students who were not yet parents.

Between October 2011 and March 2012, participants were recruited from the Roma, Scottish Pakistani and Scottish White communities in Glasgow city to take part in focus groups to explore their awareness of infant feeding choices, future infant feeding preferences and factors that may influence their views.

Improving our understanding of cultural influences within an increasingly diverse city, and taking into account wider societal and cultural issues, could help support future attempts to increase the proportion of women who choose to breastfeed their newborn children.