Nutrition is only one facet of the feeding process. Comfort, security, closeness, bonding, sociability, self-confidence and love all develop through appropriate feeding practices. After all, eating is a highly social experience that should always be shared with other members of the family. This is not only enjoyable for the child but will instil good eating habits from an early age. Breastfeeding is obviously the optimal method of feeding (WHO 2001) but close supervision of cup feeding, using an open design, will do much to engender the closeness of breastfeeding.

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is particularly prevalent in UK Asian communities.

Published research (Williams & Salota 1990, Harbottle & Duggan 1992) appears to show a link between the consumption of sweetened milk and tea given from a bottle and poor dietary habits leading to IDA. Children who derive a high proportion of their energy requirements from drinks alone are less likely to develop good eating habits or have a balanced diet. This is because their appetite is suppressed by sugary drinks which their mothers (supported by their family) believe are nutritious. Red meat is a good source of iron. However, prolonged bottle feeding delays the development of chewing skills and good dietary habits are not fostered early enough to avoid the development of IDA. The common use of sweet tea, which contains tannins, can also be responsible for limiting the amount of iron that is absorbed. If required, and to aid iron absorption, fresh orange juice (diluted to ten parts water) could be offered at mealtimes from an open cup.

Although failure to thrive and poor weight gain are associated with IDA, it is worth pointing out that long-term obesity and eating disorders are more common if early nutritional complications are not recognised and treated.

© Sharon Trotter

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This article can also been seen at MIDIRS Midwifery Digest 16:3 2006