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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #230579

Title: The feeding of infants and children

Author
item Heird, William

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2006
Publication Date: 1/1/2007
Citation: Heird, W.C. 2007. The feeding of infants and children. In: Kliegman, R.M., Jenson, H.B., Behrman, R.E., Stanton, B.F., editors. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th edition. Saunders Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA. p. 214-225.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The establishment of feeding practices that are comfortable and satisfying for both the parents and the infant is crucial not only for the emotional well-being of both but also for ensuring adequate nutrient intakes for the infant. Maternal feelings are readily transmitted to the infant and are a major determinant of the emotional setting in which feeding takes place. Mothers who are anxious or emotionally labile are more likely to experience a difficult feeding relationship. Appropriate guidance and support from an empathetic and experienced relative, friend, or health professional can increase such a mother's confidence, which in turn, allows her to relax and increases the likelihood of establishing successful feeding practices during infancy as well as throughout childhood and beyond.