The Dangers of Force-feeding African Babies and Why You Shouldn’t Do It

 

By: Favour Okere. Freelance Health Writer and Datelinehealth Africa (DLHA) volunteer. Medical review and editorial support provided by the DLHA Team.

 

An African baby being spoon fed.

 

 

Highlights 
 

• Force-feeding refers to physically coercing a baby to consume more food than they are willing or able to eat. 

• Common reasons some parents force-feed their babies include concerns over weight or growth, feeding challenges, lack of knowledge or support, and cultural beliefs. However, these do not justify the risks involved.

• The dangers of the traditional African force-feeding method include inhalation of food, respiratory complications and possibly death. Others include physical harm, disrupted feeding cues, emotional trauma, and long-term health consequences, such as eating disorders and obesity.

• Instead of force-feeding, you should observe your baby's cues, introduce solid foods gradually, encourage self-feeding, create a calm and enjoyable mealtime environment, and seek support from healthcare professionals if needed.

 

 

Introduction

 

It is common practice for a mother to seat her baby between her thighs and force marshy meals down the child's throat in many African homes. This mostly happens when the baby is a picky eater or gets cranky and rejects food. The mother becomes concerned as she doesn't want to have her child looking malnourished or have everyone (the neighbours especially) talking about how she is a bad mom. This article will shed light on the dangers of force-feeding babies and offer you practical tips to help your little one develop a healthy relationship with food.

 

 

What is Force-feeding?

 

Force-feeding, in the African context, is the act of putting food into a baby’s mouth and coercing them to swallow.[1] It is a dangerous but common cultural practice especially in rural areas of some sub-Saharan Africa countries including Kenya, Malawi and Nigeria. It has been passed down from generation to generation through the agency of socialization. 

 

Force-feeding can take various forms. The traditional African methods include lying the child head down on the mother’s lap, or sitting the baby upright between the thighs, blocking the nostrils off and on by holding them, while coercing the baby to swallow offered meals, usually fluidy porridge from a cupped hand (see figure 1).

Figure 1: Examples of traditional African methods of force feeding babies. Click on image to enlarge.

 

Other more refined methods include holding a spoon or bottle to a baby's mouth until they swallow, or continuing to offer food even when the baby is clearly full and turning away. While you may only want to ensure your baby is getting enough nourishment, force-feeding can have severe consequences on your child's physical and emotional well-being.

 

 

Why Do Parents Force-feed Their Babies?

 

There are several reasons why parents may resort to force-feeding their babies. They include:

 

1. Concern over weight or growth 

 

Parents may naturally feel anxious if their baby's weight is poor or growth is delayed. This may cause them to try to force the baby to eat more.

 

2. Feeding problems 

 

Babies can be picky eaters, and parents may feel frustrated when their baby refuses to finish a bottle or meal. This may lead them to force-feeding the baby to ensure the child is getting the necessary nutrients.

 

3. Lack of knowledge or support 

 

Some parents may not have access to helpful resources or guidance on healthy feeding practices, leading them to force-feed their babies as a perceived solution.

 

4. Cultural beliefs 

 

It is a common  belief among parents and caregivers that the fatter a child looks the healthier he or she is. [2] Furthermore, associated with this misconception is the belief that the appearance of a child in terms of weight is a reflection of the socio-economic status of the child's family. In order to achieve this appearance of 'well-being', African parents may force-feed their babies. Also, some believe that a "good" parent ensures their child cleans their plate and this can contribute to the practice of force-feeding.

 

 

What are the Dangers of Force-feeding Babies?

 

Feeding your baby forcefully, even with good intentions to ensure proper nutrition, can lead to serious and long-lasting consequences, such as:

 

1. Physical harm 

 

Forcing your baby to eat can cause choking, vomiting and puts your baby at risk of aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia or other respiratory issues. [3]  Also, the traditional African method of force-feeding is so dangerous that it can lead to accidental suffocation and untimely death. [4]

 

2. Disrupted feeding cues 

 

Babies have natural feeding cues, such as turning away from the bottle or spitting out food, that indicate when they are full or no longer hungry. Force-feeding can overwhelm and confuse these cues, leading to an unhealthy relationship with food.

 

3. Psychological trauma 

 

Force-feeding also has psychological implications. Mealtimes could become distressing and traumatic for your baby, potentially leading to anxiety, trust issues, and even hatred for certain foods or mealtimes in the future.

 

4. Long-term health consequences 

 

Force feeding can disrupt a child's development. [5] It can contribute to the development of eating disorders such as acute malnutrition or obesity, and other weight-related problems. Your child may struggle to self-regulate their food intake later in life.

 

 

What Can You Do to Help Your Baby Eat Better?

 

Instead of force-feeding your baby, there are more effective and appropriate ways to support your baby's feeding and ensure they are getting the nourishment they need. Here are some tips:

 

1. Recognise that the traditional method of force feeding African babies is dangerous and should be stopped 

 

If you are a believer in or a practitioner of the traditional African method of force feeding your baby, be aware that it is dangerous and should be stopped.

 

2. Observe your baby's cues 

 

Pay close attention to your baby's signals, such as turning away from the bottle, pushing food away, or closing their mouth. Respect these cues and stop feeding when your baby indicates they are full.

 

3. Introduce solid foods gradually 

 

Starting solid foods? Be patient, Take it slow and follow your baby's lead. Offer small amounts of food and let your baby explore and discover new tastes and textures at their own pace.

 

4. Encourage self-feeding

 

Provide age-appropriate finger foods and allow your baby to explore and pick up the food themselves. This helps them develop their fine motor skills and learn to self-regulate their food intake.

 

5. Create a calm and enjoyable mealtime environment 

 

Avoid distractions and make mealtimes a peaceful and positive experience. Engage with your baby, make eye contact, and talk to them about the food they are eating.

 

6. Seek support 

 

If you are struggling with your baby's feeding, seek professional help. You could see a pediatrician, lactation consultant, or registered dietitian. They can provide personalized guidance and support to help you and your baby develop a healthy feeding relationship.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Force-feeding babies is a well-intentioned but harmful practice that can have serious consequences for your baby's physical and emotional well-being. By understanding the dangers of force-feeding and implementing more responsive feeding practices, you can help your baby develop a healthy relationship with food that will help them throughout their lives. Every baby is unique, and with patience, understanding, and the right support, you can ensure your little one is well-nourished and thriving.

 

 

References

1. Jagaba KS. Forced feeding and its effects. Health Digest. [Internet. 2022 Oct. 9]. Cited April 10, 2024. Available from: https://healthdigest.ng/forced-feeding-and-its-effects/

2. Ndu IK, Ekwochi U, Osuorah CDI, Chinawa J, Asinobi I, Eze JC, Amadi OF, & Egwuonwu AC. The Knowledge and Practice of Forced-Feeding among Mothers and Caregivers in Enugu, South East Nigeria. International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health, (2016) 11(3), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.9734/IJTDH/2016/19826.

3. Onwuzoo, A. Force-feeding can cause asthma in babies.’ Punch Newspapers. [Internet 2023 May 21]. Cited 2024 April 10, Available from: https://punchng.com/force-feeding-can-cause-asthma-in-babies/

4. Nigerian Tribune.. Force-feeding babies leads to untimely death of infants ? Paediatrician. [Internet. 2018 ct. 4]. Cited 2024 April 10. Available from: https://tribuneonlineng.com/force-feeding-babies-leads-to-untimely-death-of-infants-%E2%80%95-paediatrician/, 

5.    Okah G. Don’t force-feed your child, Africa’s experts warn.  Internet. 2022, February 23]. DW. Cted April 10 2024, Available from:  https://www.dw.com/en/dont-force-feed-your-child-africas-experts-warn/a-60854197

 

 

Published: April 16, 2024

© 2024. Datelinehealth Africa Inc. All rights reserved.

Permission is given to copy, use and share content for non-commercial purposes without alteration or modification and subject to attribution as to source.