Infant formula feeding at birth is common and inversely associated with subsequent breastfeeding behavior in Vietnam

This study is among the first to investigate the effect of early introduction of infant formula on subsequent feeding practices with a large sample size and innovative approaches. Findings suggest that in Vietnam, infant formula feeding during the first three days after birth was associated with increased subsequent infant formula feeding and the early cessation of breastfeeding. This underscores the need to make early, exclusive breastfeeding normative and to create environments that support it.