Traditional Practices About Breastfeeding: Istanbul and Van Sampling

Abstract

Background: Having knowledge about traditional practices that significantly affect maternal and infant health is essential. Objectives: This study was carried out to determine the traditional practices of mothers regarding breastfeeding in two cities with different sociocultural structures. Methods: The sample of this comparative-descriptive study, consisted of 336 mothers who were breastfeeding or had previous breastfeeding experience in Van (171) and Istanbul (165). The data were collected by face-to-face interviews using an introductory information form and Infant Nutrition Attitude Scale (IIFAS). Results: The majority of the participants were pregnant (Istanbul 7.3%, Van 22.8%) and lactating mothers (Istanbul 40%, Van 38.6%). In both provinces, most of the participants reported to receive information about breastfeeding (77.6% in Istanbul, 63.2% in Van) (p>.05). In both provinces, dates were licked before breast milk (Istanbul 61.8%, Van 75.4%), and tar was applied to breasts to end breastfeeding (Istanbul 83%, Van 94.2%). In Istanbul, apricot compote was given to increase breast milk (58.8%) and the breast was washed with carbonated water (45.5%) to treat breast problems. However, in Van, bulgur rice was given to increase breast milk (61.4%) and onions were applied to breasts to treat breast problems (28.7%). The mean BBTS scores in Van was higher than in Istanbul (p=.000). Conclusion: Although the rate of traditional practices is low, these practices are still applied and practices to increase breast milk are frequently performed. Mothers should be informed about the detrimental and risk-free aspects of all these procedures. © 2023, Dokuz Eylul University. All rights reserved.