Beliefs and practices in infant feeding among the Wagogo of Chigongwe (Dodoma rural district), Tanzania I. Breastfeeding

Research conducted among the Wagogo of Tanzania has revealed a wide range of beliefs and practices associated with breastfeeding. Prolonged breastfeeding remains widespread in the community studied. Infants are nursed on demand, for comfort as well as nutrition. The local concept of breastfeeding places emphasis on events that can cause a shift in the mother's milk in both breasts or in only one during the lactation period. New pregnancy and sexual intercourse with men apart from the husband are the most important causes believed to change the mother's milk to endanger the baby's life. The different quality of women's milk ("good” milk, “bad” milk), and the identification of causes for them are the keys to comprehension of a large part of Gogo women's behaviour in infant feeding. Data collected underline that breastfeeding is a process, an act of culture and a social experience.

Key words:

• Breastfeeding
• maternal attitudes
• infants
• food beliefs
• child‐feeding Tanzania
• Africa