Factors affecting breast milk and the effects of pacifier use on breastfeeding

Abstract

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to determine the sociodemographic factors affecting breastfeeding, to determine the problems that may be experienced in breastfeeding and to show the effect of pacifier use on breastfeeding. Material and methods: Interviewing 349 mothers with 24-60-month-old babies who applied to the pediatric outpatient clinics of our hospital for any reason between 2011-2012; A questionnaire consisting of 80 questions was prepared, including patient and parent information, breastfeeding process, and questions for pacifier users. Before the survey, approval of the Ethics Committee of Ankara Pediatric Health and Diseases Hematology Oncology Training and Research Hospital was obtained. Results: The breastfeeding rate was 97%. While the increase in the week of birth, male gender, being first and/ or only child, the increase in the age of mother, fathers' support for breastfeeding, the extension of maternity leave increase the duration of breastfeeding; low birth weight, breastfeeding of siblings less than 6 months, high education level of mothers, smoking by the mother during pregnancy, early initiation of supplemantary food, use of formula and early initiation of formula, use of pacifiers were factors that adversely affected breastfeeding. The pacifier use was 41.8%, the duration was 18±10.22 months. Pacifier use decreased breastfeeding, it increased the risk of weaning before 6 months by 5.1 times. Conclusion: To increase duration of breastfeeding, mothers should be supperted; early initiation of supplementary food and formula and the negative effects of pacifier use on breastfeeding should be explained.