The Cost of Formula Milk Feeding in Infancy in Al-Amarah City, South East of Iraq

Background Infant formula means a breast-milk substitute specially manufactured to satisfy, by itself, the nutritional requirements of infants during the first months of life up to the introduction of appropriate complementary feeding. We aimed to determine the cost and burden of formula feeding on the family in Al-Amara city, Iraq. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional analytic study was carried out in Al-Sadder Teaching Hospital in Al-Amara city, Iraq, during period from August/2015 to February/2016. The study performed on 100 mothers of infant less than 6 months who were attended the pediatric ward. Data was collected then calculating the average of ounces consumed per a day for each age group with calculating their cost per a day. Results The mean cost of ounces consumption per a day for each infant who was exclusively on formula feeding during the first month of age was (1,584 IQD: Iraqi Dinar), while for the second month and 3-6 months age group were (1,806 IQD) and (2,322 IQD) respectively. The cost was significantly higher than those infants on mixed feeding in all age groups, the P-values are 0.007, 0.005 and 0.002 in 1st month, 2nd month and 3-6 month of age respectively. Conclusion In general the cost of formula milk feeding in infancy was high and causing a burden on the family. Saving money, health and emotional wellbeing will direct our vision toward breast feeding.