RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
Lucy Upton, specialist paediatric dietitian and expert panel member of the not-for-profit Infant &Toddler Forum (ITF), discusses infant nutrition and why infant feeding facts matter
Early years professionals have a unique opportunity – as well as a critical role to play – in supporting families with their questions or aiding those struggling with the day-to-day challenges of feeding infants and toddlers.
As a specialist paediatric dietitian and as a new mother, I know how confusing it can be to navigate the often-conflicting information (or lack of information) associated with breastfeeding and formula feeding. Both parents and early years professionals can find themselves at a loss for where to turn, especially with the closure of many drop-in clinics in recent years.
Neither families nor healthcare professionals (HCPs) are satisfied with the current state of education and support they receive in infant nutrition, according to a recent survey conducted by the Infant and Toddler Forum (ITF).
The survey – which was conducted with Census wide and included 506 parents and 152 HCPs – found that a full 22% of HCPs lack confidence supporting parents in core areas of infant feeding. Meanwhile, only 19% of parents felt they received adequate support for maintaining breastfeeding, and just 8% felt they received support to understand differences between formula milks.
Having resources at your fingertips can help build confidence, but it’s not always that simple: time is limited to talk with parents, plus you have many competing demands at pick-up or drop-off time. And, of course, every family situation is unique; feeding advice needs to be realistic and family centred.
Here are some key facts about breast milk and formula milk that can help early educators build their confidence in engaging in conversations about
infant feeding with parents, making every conversation relevant and personal:
For additional information, please go to www.infantandtoddlerforum.org.