Nutrients, Vol. 18, Pages 1674: Perspectives of Parents with Developmental Disabilities on Disability-Related Factors Influencing Their Infant Feeding Decisions: A Mixed Methods Study
Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu18111674
Authors:
Stacy V. Lu
Susan M. Gross
Allison L. West
Background/Objectives: The practices that parents use to feed their infants have important implications for life course health and well-being. However, little is known about the infant feeding experiences and decisions of parents with developmental disabilities. This study used a mixed methods design to gain an in-depth understanding of the infant feeding experiences and decisions of parents with developmental disabilities in the United States. Methods: Between July 2024 and June 2025, 18 parents with developmental disabilities completed a one-time quantitative survey, seven of whom also completed three individual qualitative interviews. Analytical procedures included descriptive statistics of quantitative survey data and thematic analysis of qualitative interviews, followed by integration of the two forms of data. All interview participants completed member checking of preliminary themes. Results: Parents with developmental disabilities described varied experiences with breastfeeding, formula feeding, and introducing solid foods to their infants at around six months. Four disability-related factors influenced parents’ decisions across different infant feeding practices: (1) sensitivity to sensory stimuli; (2) demands on executive function; (3) “rigid thinking” about breastfeeding; and (4) medication use. Conclusions: Findings suggest parents with developmental disabilities may benefit from direct and customized support with infant feeding. Changes to improve access to disability-affirming care are warranted.
Background/Objectives: The practices that parents use to feed their infants have important implications for life course health and well-being. However, little is known about the infant feeding experiences and decisions of parents with developmental disabilities. This study used a mixed methods design to gain an in-depth understanding of the infant feeding experiences and decisions of parents with developmental disabilities in the United States. Methods: Between July 2024 and June 2025, 18 parents with developmental disabilities completed a one-time quantitative survey, seven of whom also completed three individual qualitative interviews. Analytical procedures included descriptive statistics of quantitative survey data and thematic analysis of qualitative interviews, followed by integration of the two forms of data. All interview participants completed member checking of preliminary themes. Results: Parents with developmental disabilities described varied experiences with breastfeeding, formula feeding, and introducing solid foods to their infants at around six months. Four disability-related factors influenced parents’ decisions across different infant feeding practices: (1) sensitivity to sensory stimuli; (2) demands on executive function; (3) “rigid thinking” about breastfeeding; and (4) medication use. Conclusions: Findings suggest parents with developmental disabilities may benefit from direct and customized support with infant feeding. Changes to improve access to disability-affirming care are warranted. Read More