Stress and feeding choices: How do socio-demographic factors shape formula use among Polish mothers?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the gold standard in infant nutrition, yet many women discontinue exclusive breastfeeding earlier than recommended. Maternal stress has been identified as a potential factor contributing to breastfeeding difficulties; however, its interaction with socio-demographic variables remains insufficiently explored. In Poland, where breastfeeding initiation rates are high but exclusive breastfeeding drops to only 4% by six months postpartum, understanding these interactions is essential to improve breastfeeding outcomes.

Objective

In this study, it was examined whether maternal stress moderates the relationship between socio-demographic factors and the introduction of formula supplementation among Polish mothers.

Methods

An obse

SUBMITTER: Czerwinska-Osipiak A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12702739 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature