Abstract

OLMEDO, Sofia Irene  and  VALEGGIA, Claudia. The initiation of complementary feeding among Qom indigenous people. Arch. argent. pediatr. [online]. 2014, vol.112, n.3, pp.254-257. ISSN 0325-0075.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5546/aap.2014.254.

As of six months of life, breastfeeding no longer covers an infant's energy or micronutrient needs, so appropriate complementary feeding should be provided. The objective of this study was to assess the time and adequacy for introducing complementary feeding in a Qom/Toba population and analyze the sociocultural concepts of families regarding complementary feeding. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected by participant observation and semistructured surveys administered to mothers of 0-2 year old infants. Qom breastfeed their infants long term and on demand. Most infants have an adequate nutritional status and start complementary feeding at around 6 months old as per the local health center and international standards. However, mostly due to socioeconomic factors, foods chosen to complement breastfeeding have a relatively scarce nutritional value.

Keywords : Complementary feeding; Breastfeeding; Infant nutrition; Indigenous peoples; Qom.

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