Determination of Traditional Methods Used by Mothers to Wean Their Infants from Breast- Feeding

Abstract

Objectives: This research was carried out to determine the traditional methods used by mothers to wean infants from breastfeeding. Materials and Methods: Descriptive type of planned study was conducted on mothers who referred to the pediatric polyclinic of a training and research hospital in the province of Ordu between 25 July and 25 August 2017. The universe of research mothers with children between 2-5 years of age (n=362) who applied to the pediatric outpatient clinic, the sample consisted of the mothers who met the research criteria (n=271). "Questionnaire Form" was used as data collection tool. Before starting the study, written permission from Ordu province Public Hospitals Union and verbal consent from mothers who participated in the study were taken. The data were assessed by using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and t-test. Results: It was found that the average time it took the mothers in the study to wean their infants was 15.96±9.34 month, 25.1% had difficulties while weaning their infants and 25.5% used traditional methods. Of the mothers who used traditional methods, it was found that 48% put tomato paste on their nipples, 28.4% put pepper, 25.4% gave nutritional supplement with feeding bottle, 20.7% gave pacifier, 14% sent the infant to

Breastfeeding Experiences of Turkish Mothers; Exclusive Breastfeeding in First Six Months, Continuing Two Years and Using Traditional Methods for Weaning

“…The study data were collected with a questionnaire developed by the researchers in line with the literature (Hunegnaw et al 2017;Yüzer-Alsaç et al 2018;Dinç et al 2015;Gök-Uğur et al 2018). Inclusion criteria of the study were having a baby between 6 and 36 months and terminated breastfeeding, above 18 years old, literate women.…”

Weaning Traditional Practices Among Mothers Coming to Primary Health Care Center in Turkey

“…In traditional communities in New Guinea, it has been reported that weaning by smearing mud on the nipple is common (21). Many studies in Turkey have also reported that repulsive substances are used as a traditional method to wean the child (9,10,24). Considering that the traditional methods applied in the world and Turkey are similar to our research findings, it has been observed that mothers use traditional methods to separate their babies from breast milk and receive information about these processes from their close relatives.…”

“…The abrupt weaning method, commonly used for weaning, is not recommended except for medical reasons (18). Traditional methods that involve changing the taste of the breast sucked by the baby with pleasure, or the sudden separation of the baby from the mother, can create adverse psychological effects on the child by undermining the bond of trust between mother and baby (10). In this process, the mother should take more care of her baby, hug the baby more, and not be separated from the child so that the baby does not experience breast separation and mother's separation at the same time (10,18,25).…”

“…She should not be separated from the child to ensure that the baby does not experience breast separation and mother separation at the same time. Traditional practices for changing the taste of the breast for the baby and the sudden separation of the baby from the mother can create adverse psychological effects on the baby, by undermining the bond of trust between mother and infant (10,11).…”

Traditional and Complementary Breastfeeding and Weaning Practices Among Mothers in Northern Cyprus

“…Breastfeeding not only means feeding a child, but also has numerous psychological effects such as calming the child down when he/she is afraid, crying or in pain. For this reason, gradual weaning is a crucial process that affects the relationship between breastfeeding and the infant (7,9,11). Weaning practices can vary based on time and culture (12,13).…”