Child Feeding Patterns Amongst the Au of the West Sepik, Papua New Guinea

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Abstract
This study describes food consumption patterns, and cultural factors influencing them, with particular emphasis on young children, in an area of West Sepik Province in Papua New Guinea where the health and nutritional status of the population is known to be poor. The people are traditionally hunters and gatherers, the main staple being the edible pith of the sago palm. Taro, sweet potato and bananas are also important. Animal sources of protein are rare. Breast-feeding is universal and extended, although colostrum is believed to be harmful. The first supplementary foods (usually sweet potato, bananas, pawpaw and sago) are introduced late, the timing being linked to the eruption of deciduous teeth. Game meat is not introduced until all first molars have erupted. Food taboos applying to children are few. Improved growth is dependent on a change in child feeding habits, for which a deeper understanding of the cultural meanings of the observed food-related beliefs and behaviors is necessary.

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