Breastfeeding practices in Duzce, Turkey.
Exclusive breastfeeding among infants less than or equal to 6 months old and continued breastfeeding (20-23 months) are high-priority indicators of infant health. We aimed to assess breastfeeding practices, using standardized breastfeeding indicators, and to determine the causes of early discontinuation of breastfeeding (< or = 6 months) in children aged 0 to 24 months in Duzce, Turkey. In this cross-sectional study, the study group consisted of 158 children, and questionnaires were completed by face-to-face interviews with the mothers. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding (< or = 6 months) was 22.4%. The rate of continued breastfeeding (20-23 months) was 10.0%. The 2 primary causes of early discontinuation of breastfeeding were inadequate milk supply (38.1%) and baby not latching on (14.3%). Half of the individuals who recommended infant formula to mothers with infants less than or equal to 6 months old were physicians.
Yesildal
Nuray
N
Department of Public Health, Duzce Medical School, Duzce University, Konuralp Duzce, Turkey.
Aytar
Gulsen
G
Kocabay
Kenan
K
Mayda
Atilla Senih
AS
Dagli
Sinemis Cetin
SC
Bahcebasi
Talat
T
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000502:physiology*; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology; D014886:Weaning