Knowledge, beliefs and practices of mothers about breastfeeding and infant nutrition: A qualitative study [Anneleri̇n emzi̇rme ve süt çocuǧu beslenmesi̇ konusundaki̇ bi̇lgi̇, i̇naniş ve uygulamalari: Ni̇teli̇ksel bi̇r araştirma]

Abstract

Objective: This is a qualitative research that aims to explore the mothers' knowledge and practices regarding infant nutrition and breastfeeding. Forty mothers with infants aged 9-15 months- and with varing different backgrounds in education, social and economic structure, formed the study groups. Method: The data was collected by means of depth interviews useing of a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: After the analysis the mothers' words during the interviews were classified under these main themes: 1-Procedures affecting mothers' breastfeeding decision 2-Knowledge and beliefs regarding breast-milk, 3-Breastfeeding practices, 4-Factors influencing the decisions of feeding with non-breast milk products 5-Mothers' knowledge and attitudes to complementary nutritients/foods. Breastfeeding is a common habit in Turkey. In our study all of the infants were breastfed. But the mother'sanxiety about the sufficiency of breast-milk and social pressure leads to starting with complementary nutritients/foods early. Education must emphasize exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months and following the weight gain of the infant as the major indicator for assessment of its sufficiency. Although the economic level of the family affects the selection of the complementary foods, supervision is necessary for mothers who do not know enough about the quality of the foods and time of addition to the diet. Mothers prefer one to one interviews with health professionals and using printed materials about infant nutrition. Conclusion: Before preparing community-based programs to improve infant nutrition, the mothers' opinions, beliefs and needs, should be taken into account.