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

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.