Breasts, bottles and babies: Historical changes in infant feeding practices in a Micronesian village

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Abstract
The mothers of 375 children born in a Micronesian village during the past 50 years were interviewed about their infant feeding practices. It was found that in the period 1945–1975, use of commercial formula increased steadily, breastfeeding declined, age at weaning from breast decreased, and consumption of milk by one to two year olds increased. These trends accelerated in the 1970s. The use of powdered or evaporated milk for infant feeding was introduced into Truk prior to 1940. Educational level and employment history of the mother were significantly associated with bottlefeeding. The mothers most commonly reported convenience as their reason for bottlefeeding. Historical factors which appear to have influenced the course of infant feeding practices in the village as a whole are discussed.