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

Abstract

Background: The breastfeeding process is as vital for the mother as it is for the baby. Therefore, weaning is a difficult decision for both parties. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the traditional and non-traditional methods that mothers use to wean their babies. Methods: This descriptive type of study was conducted between May 15, 2018, and October 15, 2018, on 1124 women with healthy children aged 2-5 years who were referring to the Primary Health Care Center in Kocaeli Province in Turkey. The data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. Results: Around 31.8% of mothers (n=358) applied a substance to their nipples, which is said to create a frightening effect for the baby. About 14.5% of mothers (n=164) applied substances on the nipple, to leave a bitter taste in the mouth of the baby, and reduce the desire to suck the nipple. Another method used to wean is to apply something that creates a repulsive effect on the nipple. This method was used by 12.3% of mothers (n=139). The percentage of women who failed on the first attempt was 11.38% (n=128). The reasons for re-starting breastfeeding were as follows: the method to wean was not working (21.1%, n=27), the influence of relatives to abandon weaning (6.2%; n=8), and the baby crying too much (89.1%; n=11). Conclusions: Some mothers used the traditional method for weaning and the majority of the babies of the mothers who used the traditional method responded by crying. According to these findings, training and counseling on breastfeeding are recommended to mothers who are breastfeeding by nurses.

Readiness for Weaning Scale: Development and psychometric measurement study

“…It is known that mothers try many traditional methods such as inducing disgust in the baby to stop the baby from sucking, leaving the mother and the baby apart, and giving the breast a bad taste by applying something to the breast. Recent studies evaluating Turkish mothers' weaning practices pointed out that many traditional practices are used, and these practices can have traumatic consequences for both the mother and the baby (Dilek Aksoy et al, 2020;Oflu, 2020;Yıldız & Gölbas ¸ı, 2019). In the maternal readiness dimension, there were statements that evaluated whether the mother was psychologically ready to stop breastfeeding, such as those about guilt, the baby's withdrawal, and the breaking of the strong bond with the baby.…”

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

“…The researchers collected the data by using an introductory information form (7,9,11,(13)(14)(15) prepared based on the literature, an information form on the breastfeeding process, and the forms of determining the methods of increasing breast milk and weaning. The introductory information form consists of 8 questions in total, such as the mothers' age, education level, marital status, nationality, employment status, income perception, number of children, and residence region.…”

“…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).…”

“…Studies have indicated that mothers use numerous traditional methods during the weaning and the method they use has difficulties in adapting the mother and the infant to this process (10,14). Stopping breastfeeding an infant/child with ineffective methods such as creating bad taste or images before the mother and her infant /child are physically, emotionally and mentally ready, can lead to the feeling of punishment, feelings of insecurity, and a psychological trauma (7,9,11,13,15). It can also cause the mother to feel guilty and have breast problems (15).…”

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Awareness of Breastfeeding and Proper Weaning Practices Among Infant Feeding Mothers Attending Imperial Medical Services Entebbe Wakiso District.

“…On the other hand, the feeding rate with additional foods has increased, approaching the 55%-80% rate (CDC, 2020). Despite these reports and the many benefits of breastfeeding, difficulties with the initiation and duration of breastfeeding continue to be reported (Aksoy et al, 2020) In India, an average mother, although poor in nutritional status, has a remarkable ability to breastfeed her infant for prolonged periods, Sometimes, extending to nearly 2 years (Saeed et al, 2015). However, India still has the highest number of under-weight children under five in the world, and 70 percent of children are anemic.…”