Structural and Systemic Factors Impacting Infant Feeding Decisions and Practices

Dear Colleagues,

Infancy, the first 12 months of life, is a particulary important time period which lays the foundation for immediate and life-long health. During this time, infants are primarily consuming human milk or formula and are introduced to solid foods as a complementary form of nutrition. Adequate and quality nutrition is an essential human need, affecting all aspects of health, and the context in which feeding occurs (e.g., environment, presence of a caregiver, etc.) also plays a role in overall health. It is well-established that early and consistent human milk feeding is associated with improved health outcomes for the child. In addition, the methods by which complementary solid foods are introduced and offered (e.g., quality and variety of foods, timing of introduction, consistency of foods, etc.) can also impact health and well-being. Feeding decisions and practices concerning infants vary greatly across individuals and groups, and are based on a myriad of influences that are often rooted in structural and systemic factors outside of the individual’s control. We welcome articles that focus on the structural and systemic factors that impact feeding decisions and practices concerning infant and ultimately infant health. We seek articles that address infant feeding, infant nutrition, human milk or formula feeding and health related to socioeconomic status, racism, social injustices, structural violence, representation, inconsistent or biased professional recommendations, over-reliance on growth metrics alone, medical interventions, employment, parental paid leave, childcare environments, and access to supports and services.

Prof. Dr. Mary Dawn Koenig
Prof. Dr. Crystal L. Patil
Guest Editors

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• infant nutrition
• breastfeeding
• human milk
• feeding methods
• complimentary feeding
• first solid foods
• social determinants of health
• structural racism