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Evaluating The Decision Making Process Of Pediatricians' Recommendations For First Complementary Foods In Infants, Gretchen Schmoyer

Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this research study was to document the feeding guidelines from medical associations, understand what pediatricians are recommending to new mothers, and to capture the response from mothers regarding their understanding and personal practices in feeding. Previous studies have found that mothers were not following feeding recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Furthermore, the role of infant rice cereal as an early first food is currently under debate. Qualitative research was conducted through interviews with five mothers of children under 2 years, five healthcare providers in pediatric settings, and three policy experts. The Theory of Reasoned …