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Journal of Tropical Pediatrics 1985 31(4):229-234; doi:10.1093/tropej/31.4.229
© 1985 by Oxford University Press
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Abrupt Weaning Reconsidered: Evidence from Central Mexico

Ann V. Millard, PhD and Margaret A. Graham, AB

Department of Anthropology
College of Human Michigan State University

Weaning in rural Mexico has been described as an abrupt introduction of non-breast milk food that occurs simultaneously with the cessation of breastfeeding. This study takes issue with that characterization. In two central Mexican communities, anthropologists used both survey and participant-observation methods to gather data over eighteen months. Breastfeeding histories were elicited from 285 women for their 809 children. Both breastfeeding histories and observations show that non-breast milk food is introduced gradually. Village women stated the abrupt weaning principle, but interpreted it differently from some researchers. Because of difficulties such as these in spoken communication, observation is a necessary complement to the elicitation of information about weaning. Efforts to stop abrupt weaning are misplaced if, as in this study, the actual pace of weaning is not detrimental. Thus, the collection of baseline data must be thorough and include observations if it is to provide a basis for health care projects.


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