Understanding lived experiences of low-income UK parents and carers (of infants aged 0-6 months) management of infant feeding in the context of the current cost of living crisis: the DIO Food project.

Hunter, Emma; Douglas, Flora

Abstract

Maternal and infant food insecurity is poorly characterised and understood. UK food charities report increased demand for help from families with young infants. This is concerning when considering nutritional requirements during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For families choosing to bottle feed, infant formula is expensive and often not provided by food banks, due to UNICEF guidelines. This study was a qualitative investigation of low-income parents infant feeding intentions and practices in the UK as part of the UKRI-funded DIO-Food Project. Semi-structured interviews commenced December 2023. Recruitment remains open to eligible parents living in Scotland and England. We report on preliminary thematic data analysis conducted to date (N=9). So far, the study has identified four key themes: I. "Don’t ask, don’t tell: conversations with health professionals" highlights the lack of discussion with healthcare professionals around parents' financial situation and strained conversations surrounding bottle feeding; II. "Trial and error in the face of high costs" focuses on challenges finding suitable infant formula; III. "Acknowledging breastfeeding benefits but encountering challenges" relates to breastfeeding experiences; IV. "Income shortfall struggles: the essential support of family and the 3rd sector to meet needs" focuses on insufficient income, and the role of family and third sector organisations in alleviating this shortfall. Based on current findings, early conclusions are that feeding-related challenges may be exacerbated by a lack of conversations around parents' financial situation. Open and honest discussions around both breast and bottle feeding may be necessary to support parents feeding intentions. Family and third sector organisations play a crucial role in the provision of instrumental support for new parents.

Citation

HUNTER, E. and DOUGLAS, F. 2024. Understanding lived experiences of low-income UK parents and carers (of infants aged 0-6 months) management of infant feeding in the context of the current cost of living crisis: the DIO Food project. Presented at the 1st Nourishing Futures Network international conference (NFN 2024): poverty, inequality and food security in preconception and the first 2001 days, 22 October 2024, Newcastle, UK.

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: 1st Nourishing Futures Network international conference (NFN 2024): poverty, inequality and food security in preconception and the first 2001 days
• Start Date: Oct 22, 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 23, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 23, 2024
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Infant feeding; Lower income households; Cost-of-living crisis; UK
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2509220