Factors Effecting the Duration of Breast Feeding and the Time of Weaning

Abstract

Aim: Breast milk is the ideal type of nutrition for infants. Breastfeeding has many benefits for the mother, baby and society. In this study, we aimed to determine the sociodemographic factors that affect the duration of breastfeeding and the time of weaning in the children of mothers who have children aged 5 and under, to detect the problems that will occur during the breastfeeding process in advance and to contribute to the precautions that need to be taken. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which a survey was conducted with mothers or caregivers of children aged 5 and under. Our study was conducted by the researcher using the face-to-face survey method. In the survey; the child’s gender, age, type of birth, week of birth, birth weight, when he first breastfed, whether he used formula or not, if so, the reason, when he started the first complementary food, how much breast milk he received only and in total, the number of siblings, if any, for how long. Breastfeeding, household’s total income, mother’s prenatal breastfeeding education status, mother and father’s sociodemographic characteristics, occupations, working and health status, and mother’s emotional state were questioned. Results: The cesarean delivery rate in the group with breastfeeding for less than 1 year was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the group with breastfeeding for more than 1 year. The rate of the mother receiving prenatal breastfeeding education in the group with breastfeeding for more than 1 year was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the group with breastfeeding for less than 1 year. The rate of breastfeeding within the first hour in the group with breast milk intake over 1 year was significantly higher than in the group with breast milk intake under 1 year (p<0.05). In the group whose breastfeeding is over 1 year, the proportion of those who think that their child should be breastfed until the age of 2 is; Breast milk intake was significantly higher than the group under 1 year. Maternal education level was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the group with breastfeeding for more than 1 year than in the group with breastfeeding for less than 1 year. The maternal employment rate in the group with breastfeeding for more than 1 year was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the group with breastfeeding for less than 1 year. Conclusion: Breastfeeding is very important for a baby’s healthy development and protection from diseases in the first two years of life. It is every baby’s natural right to be fed with breast milk. Determining the timing of breastfeeding and the factors that lead to its cessation in our country and region will contribute to taking precautions in this regard and increasing the duration of breastfeeding. If possible, breastfeeding education starting before birth, supporting the mother after birth, and providing appropriate opportunities for breastfeeding for working mothers will increase the duration of breast milk intake.

Keywords

• human milk
• breastfeeding
• duration of time