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In large epidemiologic studies, information on breastfeeding practice is often collected from maternal recall through interviews, but there is concern about the accuracy of the data, especially when mothers are asked to recall their practices from many years earlier. This review examines the validity and reliability of maternal recall of breastfeeding history using 11 studies published between 1966 and 2003 in English with a sample of 10 or more. Validity is the degree to which recall compares with a validation standard or reference, and reliability refers to the degree to which the breastfeeding practices obtained by recall are repeatable over time. The existing studies suggest that maternal recall is a valid and reliable estimate of breastfeeding initiation and duration, especially when the duration of breast-feeding is recalled after a short period ([less than or equal to] 3 years). Validity and reliability of maternal recall for the age at introduction of food and fluids other than breast milk are less satisfactory. Further and more extensive studies on maternal recall of breastfeeding history and ways to improve such recall are warranted. Key words: breastfeeding, maternal recall, reliability, validity doi: 10.1301/nr.2005.apr.103-110

Accurate assessment of infant feeding is needed for clinical practice and research. We identified 32 studies that evaluated the validity of direct observation, test weighing, or doubly labeled water methods. Correlations with validation standards were highest for doubly labeled water and test weighing, and lowest for observation. Cost and availability of isotope may limit the doubly labeled water method to research studies, whereas observation may be useful for clinical practice. Test weighing could be applied to either setting, but it may be practical to sample less frequently over 24 hours. Validity results and intended use of the measurement should be considered when selecting a method. Key Words: doubly labeled water, test weighing, breast milk, validity, human milk